Is your AC acting weird? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.
The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is suffering from. 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, you can identify 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 annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps locate 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?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another potential cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a plugged 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 very 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 power down the air conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including replacing 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 might be a signal that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. In addition, a defective or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not making cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may 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. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To fix this, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
Your air conditioning system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. In addition, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to contact 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 running louder than they are supposed 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 issues can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a clogged air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can make 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 Bigfoot Mechanical
If your cooling system is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at Bigfoot Mechanical for quality air conditioning repair in Spokane. 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 persistent issue and requires frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you need air conditioning installation in Spokane, the top-notch crew at Bigfoot Mechanical can help guide you through the process.
