Is your AC acting unusual? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By knowing the specific symptoms, it's possible to narrow down 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 routine 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 uncover potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Do AC Systems Leak?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another possible explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, taking a look at the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it may stem from a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also result in the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the system and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The noise might also be caused by loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.
A noisy air conditioner also might have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. In addition, 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 producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another plausible reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To address this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
Your air conditioning system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and service the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they are supposed to, at times they also make strange noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner woes, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Farris Heating & Air
If your air conditioner is having issues, call the professionals at Farris Heating & Air for quality air conditioning repair in Bartlesville. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and requires repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Bartlesville, the top-notch crew at Farris Heating & Air can help guide you through the process.