Is your air conditioning acting weird? Chances are, 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 odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique fix. By recognizing 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 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 looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.
Here are some of the top AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
A cooling system leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another typical 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. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner right away to reduce the amount of damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, taking a look at 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 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 leads to 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 too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also cause the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the air conditioning so that it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including exchanging 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 may be an indication that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket could also be caused by 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. Similarly, a damaged or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioner not blowing 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 not enough cool air. Another plausible 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 air conditioning. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To rectify this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
An air conditioner might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from starting. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they should, at times they also make peculiar 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. Another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Furthermore, a blocked air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with lots of air conditioner woes, 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 Tokay
If your cooling system is having issues, call the professionals at Tokay for quality air conditioning repair in Lodi. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and needs repeated 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 you need air conditioning installation in Lodi, the top-notch crew at Tokay can help guide you through the process.