Is your air conditioning acting unusual? Chances are, 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 afflicted with. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct fix. 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 very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning 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 uncover potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are a few of the top AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away unwanted 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 escape.
Another potential cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner right away to avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Professional 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 occurring.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your air conditioning is freezing up, it might 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 leads to a buildup of cold 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 compromised 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 power down the system so that it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be an indication that your AC needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket 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 increased noise. Similarly, 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 conditioning system 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 a lack of 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. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify this, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
Your air conditioning system might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, 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 operating louder than they should, occasionally they also make weird noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
In addition, a blocked air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner problems, 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 Done Right Air
If your air conditioner is having trouble, contact the professionals at Done Right Air for quality air conditioning repair in Milwaukee. Whether it’s a bizarre 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 requires constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Milwaukee, the top-notch crew at Done Right Air can help guide you through the process.