Is your AC acting strange? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.
The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.
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 conditioning maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps find potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
A cooling system leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a plugged 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 leak.
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 might 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 functioning efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze 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 reduced airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause 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 really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also cause 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. After the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including exchanging the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a signal that the unit needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a failing fan belt. The noise could 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a broken 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 producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another plausible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To fix the issue, it's important to inspect 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 fix this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to contact 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 operating louder than they are supposed to, occasionally they also make weird noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a clogged air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can produce 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 West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services
If your air conditioner is having issues, reach out to the professionals at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services for quality air conditioning repair in Hudsonville. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and needs frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Hudsonville, the high-quality crew at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services can help guide you through the process.
