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 afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.
While the symptoms are often very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling routine 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 to be fixed. This helps locate potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another potential cause of 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 busted pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to avoid damage to your home and be certain 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 happening.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it might stem from a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited 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.
One more 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 compromised insulation can also result in 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 and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including replacing 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 your AC needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a defective or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not blowing 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 insufficient cool air. Another potential 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 air conditioning. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify this, it's important to examine the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?
An air conditioner might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In that 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. If that's the situation, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and service the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they are supposed to, occasionally they also make strange noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, 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.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling
If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, call the professionals at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Des Moines. 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 persistent issue and needs 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 pay for service calls. If you need air conditioning installation in Des Moines, the top-notch crew at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.