Is your air conditioner 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 type of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific fix. By recognizing 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 air conditioning system.

While the symptoms are often very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioner 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 to be fixed. This helps find potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.

Here are a few of the common AC problems and the signs you may see:

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

Air conditioning 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 excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

Another typical 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. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including replacing 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 may be due to a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of frigid 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 compromised insulation can also result in 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. When the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. 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 the unit needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The loudness 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a damaged or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an air conditioner not making cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another plausible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address the issue, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?

A home cooling 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 switch out any blown fuses.

The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if required. In addition, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, 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 should, at times they also make strange noises.

One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.

As with lots of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Call the Trusted AC Experts at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc

If your cooling system is having problems, contact the professionals at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc for quality air conditioning repair in Troy. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a continual issue and demands repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If you could use air conditioning installation in Troy, the top-notch crew at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc can help guide you through the process.