Is your air conditioning acting unusual? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct remedy. By recognizing the specific symptoms, you can identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.
While the symptoms are often unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as finding any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of of the top AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another typical cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner right away to avoid damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also cause the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the system so it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a sign that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness might also be a sign the equipment has loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.
A noisy air conditioner also may have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a damaged or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioner not making cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To rectify this, it's important to inspect the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. In addition, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they should, occasionally they also make strange noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Desert Husky HVAC/R Services
If your air conditioner is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Desert Husky HVAC/R Services for quality air conditioning repair in Tucson and Phoenix. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and needs repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Tucson and Phoenix, the high-quality crew at Desert Husky HVAC/R Services can help guide you through the process.