Is your AC acting unusual? 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 suffering from. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to 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 conditioning 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 find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are a few of the typical AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
Air conditioning leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, debris 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 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 crucial to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to prevent damage to your home and be certain 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 developing in the future.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your AC is freezing up, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of chilled 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 really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked 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 turn off the system and allow it to thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, assess 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 may be a signal that it needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket can 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 hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Similarly, a damaged or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?
One common cause of an AC not making cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very 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, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To address this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and change it if necessary.
Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?
Your air conditioning system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with 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 should, at times they also make strange noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues 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 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 predicaments, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Fire & Ice HVAC
If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, contact the professionals at Fire & Ice HVAC for quality air conditioning repair in Manassas. 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 nagging issue and demands frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Manassas, the high-quality crew at Fire & Ice HVAC can help guide you through the process.