Is your AC acting weird? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.

The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type 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 distinct fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.

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 conditioning maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

Here are some of the top AC problems and the signals you may see:

Why Do AC Systems Leak?

A cooling system leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

Another possible cause of 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. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump might 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 be certain 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 developing in the future.

What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

If your air conditioner is freezing up, it might be due to a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also result in the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the system so that it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine 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 might be an indication that the unit needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The noise can 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a broken 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 AC not blowing cold air is a very dirty 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 potential reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To fix 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 turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.

The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if necessary. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop 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 Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they are supposed to, at times they also make weird noises.

One typical cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Furthermore, 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 many 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 AC Sales

If your air conditioner is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at AC Sales for quality air conditioning repair in Lafayette. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a continual issue and needs constant 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 Lafayette, the first-rate crew at AC Sales can help guide you through the process.