Is your AC 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 sort of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific fix. By identifying 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 air conditioning system.
While the symptoms are often unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual 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 equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of the common AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove excess 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 typical reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also lead to 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 so that it can thaw completely. After 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 may be an indication that the unit needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Similarly, 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 AC not making cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another possible cause is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address 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?
An air conditioner might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent 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 running louder than they should, occasionally they also make strange noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a blocked air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot of air conditioner woes, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services
If your cooling system is having problems, reach out to the professionals at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services for quality air conditioning repair in Hudsonville. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a persistent issue and needs frequent 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 you could use air conditioning installation in Hudsonville, the top-notch crew at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services can help guide you through the process.
