Is your air conditioning acting weird? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the air conditioning system.
While the symptoms are often very different, 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 locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps locate 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 Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another potential cause of 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 broken pump might 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 running efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it may be due to a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of chilled 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 really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also lead to the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the air conditioning so that it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including changing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a signal that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The noise can 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. In addition, a broken or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not producing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another possible cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To address this, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?
A home cooling system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if necessary. In addition, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and service the unit.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they ought to, at times they also make weird noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a blocked air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot of air conditioner problems, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Contact Your Local AC Experts at Mechanical Air Systems Co
If your air conditioner is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at Mechanical Air Systems Co for quality air conditioning repair in Mason City. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and requires repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Mason City, the top-notch crew at Mechanical Air Systems Co can help guide you through the process.