Solved: Leaking Air Conditioning and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your air conditioner acting strange? 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 experiencing. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's possible to identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.

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 looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.

Here are some of the common AC problems and the indications you may see:

Why Do AC Systems Leak?

Air conditioning leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, debris 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. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to avoid damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including changing 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 AC is freezing up, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

Another 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 damaged insulation can also lead to the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the system so that it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine 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.

Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a sign that it needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a defective 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 conditioner not blowing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient 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 conditioning. Also, 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 check the air filter and change it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

An air conditioner might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.

The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and service the unit.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?

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

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

In addition, a blocked air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.

As with many air conditioner problems, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Contact Your Local AC Experts at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc

If your air conditioner is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc for quality air conditioning repair in Troy. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a persistent issue and requires constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Troy, the first-rate crew at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc can help guide you through the process.