Is your AC acting unusual? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct 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 AC.
While the symptoms are often distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning 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 to be fixed. This helps find potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of the top AC problems and the indications you may see:
Why Do AC Systems Leak?
A cooling system leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a clogged 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, particles or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another typical 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. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump could 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 operating efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging 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 might be because of a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked 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 insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also lead to the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the air conditioner so it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including changing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a professional.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be an indication that the unit needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness can 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 prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, 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 air conditioner not blowing cold air is a clogged 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 possible reason for this problem 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 conditioning. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To fix this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
Your air conditioning 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.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they ought to, at times they also make strange noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, 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 lots of air conditioner problems, 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 Tri County Climate Control LLC
If your cooling system is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at Tri County Climate Control LLC for quality air conditioning repair in Bend. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a chronic issue and needs constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If you need air conditioning installation in Bend, the top-notch crew at Tri County Climate Control LLC can help guide you through the process.