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 sort of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can identify 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 routine 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 locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the common AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a common 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 clogged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another possible reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, 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 promptly to prevent damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular 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.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it may be due to a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to 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 compromised insulation can also cause the buildup of chilled 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, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. 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 might be an indication that it needs service. One frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The noise 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a defective or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioner not making 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 source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your AC. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To fix the issue, it's important to examine the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
A home cooling system might not start up 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 keep the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if required. Additionally, a malfunctioning 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 service the unit.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they are supposed to, at times they also make weird noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a blocked air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, 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.
Contact Your Local AC Experts at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning
If your cooling system is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Streamwood. 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 chronic issue and requires constant 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 your home needs air conditioning installation in Streamwood, the high-quality crew at Pure Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.