Is your air conditioner acting weird? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s peculiar 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 figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.
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 Air conditioner 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 service. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of the typical AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another potential reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, 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 quickly to prevent damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, examining 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 AC 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 sometimes causes a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised 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 conditioner and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine 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 might be an indication that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The racket could 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, a damaged or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not producing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To address this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?
A home cooling system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct 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 prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and repair the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they should, occasionally they also make peculiar noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another possible 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 cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many air conditioner woes, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at MPC Heating & Cooling
If your air conditioner is having issues, reach out to the professionals at MPC Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Chadron. Whether it’s a bizarre 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 needs repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you need air conditioning installation in Chadron, the top-notch crew at MPC Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.