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 experiencing. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—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 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 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 uncover potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a frequent 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 plugged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another typical cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, 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 right away to reduce the amount of damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine 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 developing in the future.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it could stem from a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited 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 reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also lead to 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 air conditioner and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, assess 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 a skilled technician.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a broken 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 conditioning system not blowing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another potential reason for this problem 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 address the issue, it's important to check the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if necessary. Also, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they should, at times they also make peculiar noises.
One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, 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 a lot of air conditioner woes, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at TopTec
If your cooling system is having trouble, call the professionals at TopTec for quality air conditioning repair in Libertyville. 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 persistent issue and demands 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 repair bills. If you need air conditioning installation in Libertyville, the high-quality crew at TopTec can help guide you through the process.