Is your air conditioner 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 type of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific 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 AC.
While the symptoms are often distinct, 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 locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some of of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged 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, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another potential reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, 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 prevent damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it could be because of a variety of reasons. One common 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 cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
Another 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 damaged insulation can also result in the buildup of chilled 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. After the system has thawed, examine 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 may be an indication that it needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness can also be the result of 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 prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a broken or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioner not blowing 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 cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To fix this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and exchange 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, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and service the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they ought to, at times they also make peculiar noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a blocked 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 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 I-Deal HVAC
If your air conditioning equipment is having trouble, contact the professionals at I-Deal HVAC for quality air conditioning repair in Albuquerque. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and demands repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Albuquerque, the top-notch crew at I-Deal HVAC can help guide you through the process.