Solved: Leaking Air Conditioning and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your air conditioner 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 kind of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—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 unique, 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 locating 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 Do AC Systems Leak?

Air conditioning leaking water can be a common 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 plugged 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 damaged or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, checking 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 conditioning is freezing up, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked 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 power down the air conditioning so that it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, examine 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 skilled technician.

Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a signal that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing fan belt. The loudness can also be caused by 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 increased noise. Similarly, a broken or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?

One common cause of an air conditioning system 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 insufficient cool air. Another possible cause 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 conditioner. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To fix the issue, it's important to examine the air filter and replace it if necessary.

Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?

A home cooling system 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 switch out any blown fuses.

The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. In addition, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get in touch with 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 ought to, at times they also make peculiar noises.

One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.

As with lots of air conditioner predicaments, 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 Edington Heating & Cooling Inc

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

If your AC has a chronic 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 pay for service calls. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Troy, the top-notch crew at Edington Heating & Cooling Inc can help guide you through the process.