Is your AC acting strange? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.
While the symptoms are often unique, 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 locating 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 a few of the common 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 plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing extra 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 typical cause of 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 might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner promptly 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 changing 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 Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it might stem from a variety of reasons. One common 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 low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged 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 power down the system so that it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, check 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 an expert.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be an indication that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket could also be caused by 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 greater noise. Similarly, a damaged or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not producing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another possible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To fix this, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?
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 change any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from turning 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. In this case, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they should, 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 issues can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a blocked air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.
As with a lot of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Brandywine Heating & Air
If your air conditioning equipment is having trouble, call the professionals at Brandywine Heating & Air for quality air conditioning repair in Wilmington. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a continual issue and demands repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Wilmington, the high-quality crew at Brandywine Heating & Air can help guide you through the process.