Is your air conditioner 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 suffering from. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.
While the symptoms are often distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioner 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 uncover 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 frequent 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 unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged 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 malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, taking a look at 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 conditioning is freezing up, it might be because of a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to 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 too 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 power down the air conditioner and allow it to thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, check 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 a professional.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a signal that your AC needs service. One common cause of a very loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The racket 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, a damaged 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 conditioner not producing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another potential cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To address this, it's important to examine the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
A home cooling system might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can stop 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 Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they ought to, at times they also make peculiar noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner problems, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating
If your cooling system is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating for quality air conditioning repair in Saint Louis. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and requires frequent 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 for repairs. If you could use air conditioning installation in Saint Louis, the high-quality crew at Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating can help guide you through the process.