Is your air conditioning acting weird? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique remedy. By recognizing the specific symptoms, you can 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 unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioner maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the top AC problems and the signals 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 AC leak is a plugged 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, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.
Another possible 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. Also, 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 promptly to avoid damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, examining 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 air conditioner is freezing up, it might be because of a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of frigid 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 too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked 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 power down the system so 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 exchanging the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a professional.
Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that it needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The loudness might also be caused by loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.
A noisy air conditioner also may have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct 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 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 insufficient cool air. Another potential source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To fix this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if needed. In addition, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and fix the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they ought to, sometimes they also make strange 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. Yet another commonly observed 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 many air conditioner woes, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating
If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, contact the professionals at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating for quality air conditioning repair in Northridge. Whether it’s a peculiar 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 requires 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 you need air conditioning installation in Northridge, the top-notch crew at Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating can help guide you through the process.
