Is your AC acting strange? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the air conditioning system.
While the symptoms are often distinct, 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 repair. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another potential explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, taking a look at the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted 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 very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged 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 turn off the system and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, assess 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 an expert.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be an indication that it needs service. One prevalent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The noise can 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. In addition, a damaged or old compressor can also be a reason you hear 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 very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential 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. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To address this, it's important to examine the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning 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 switch out any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. In addition, a problematic 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 Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they are supposed to, sometimes they also make weird noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a blocked air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can produce 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 MPC Heating & Cooling
If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, call the professionals at MPC Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Chadron. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled specialists 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 cost-effective in the long run to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If you need air conditioning installation in Chadron, the high-quality crew at MPC Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.