Is your AC acting weird? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.
The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort 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 unique remedy. 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 AC.
While the symptoms are often distinct, 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 finding 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 the typical AC problems and the signs you may see:
Why Do AC Systems Leak?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread 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 explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner right away to prevent damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking 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 conditioning is freezing up, it may stem from a variety of reasons. One typical 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 frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too 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 air conditioner so it can thaw completely. After 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 could be an indication that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The noise can also be a sign the equipment has 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 hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. In addition, a broken or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioner not blowing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential cause 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 AC. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?
Your air conditioning system 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 keep the air conditioner from switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. Also, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and repair the unit.
Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they ought to, sometimes they also make peculiar 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 possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a dirty air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Contact Your Local AC Experts at I-Deal HVAC
If your air conditioner is having problems, contact the professionals at I-Deal HVAC for quality air conditioning repair in Albuquerque. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled professionals 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 cost-effective in the long run to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If you need air conditioning installation in Albuquerque, the top-notch crew at I-Deal HVAC can help guide you through the process.