Is your air conditioner acting unusual? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's possible to identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.
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 AC 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 to be fixed. This helps find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of the top AC problems and the indications 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 plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another typical reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important 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. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of chilled 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 cracked insulation can also result in the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the air conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, assess 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 may be an indication that your AC needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The loudness can 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 prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, a defective or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not blowing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another plausible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To fix this particular problem, it's important to examine the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
A home cooling system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can keep 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 ought to, occasionally 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 produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed 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 a lot of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Contact Your Local AC Experts at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating
If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, call the professionals at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating for quality air conditioning repair in Saint Louis. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled professionals 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 convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Saint Louis, the top-notch crew at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating can help guide you through the process.