Is your air conditioner acting unusual? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.
While the symptoms are often unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC 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 to be fixed. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are some 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 frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another possible reason for 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 broken pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it might stem from 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 sometimes causes a buildup of chilled 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 very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged 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 switch off the air conditioner so that it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including changing 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 your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket could 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Similarly, 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 air conditioning system not making cold air is a blocked 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 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 an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To rectify this, 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 turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from starting. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and repair 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, occasionally they also make peculiar noises.
One typical 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. Yet another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can make 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.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Airmax Long Island
If your cooling system is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Airmax Long Island for quality air conditioning repair in Long Island. 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 persistent issue and demands frequent 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 Long Island, the first-rate crew at Airmax Long Island can help guide you through the process.