Is your air conditioning acting strange? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.
The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's possible to 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 routine 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 service. This helps find potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.
Here are some of of the common AC problems and the signs 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 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 slow or stopped up with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to leak.
Another possible reason for 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. Also, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, examining 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 could 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 can cause a buildup of cold 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 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 power down the air conditioner and allow it to thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including changing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.
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 prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The noise might 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a damaged 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 conditioning system not producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another plausible reason for this problem 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. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To rectify the issue, it's important to examine the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?
An air conditioner 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 switch out any blown fuses.
The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if necessary. Also, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep 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 operating louder than they ought to, occasionally they also make strange noises.
One typical cause of weird noises is a broken 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 clogged air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner problems, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Call the Trusted AC Experts at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning
If your cooling system is having problems, call the professionals at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Winnipeg. 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 needs constant 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 Winnipeg, the top-notch crew at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.
