Is your air conditioner acting weird? If so, it's good to pay attention because 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 odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct remedy. By recognizing the specific symptoms, you can figure out 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 regular 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 repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are a few of the top AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
A cooling system leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing unwanted 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 leak.
Another possible cause of 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. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to prevent damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, taking a look at 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 might be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged insulation can also cause the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the system so it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including changing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a signal that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket might 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a defective 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 AC not making cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential 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 conditioning. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To rectify the issue, it's important to inspect 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, check 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 substitute it with a new one, if required. Also, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get a hold of 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 strange noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a dirty 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 odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc
If your cooling system is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc for quality air conditioning repair in Oxford. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and requires 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 Oxford, the first-rate crew at Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc can help guide you through the process.