Solved: Leaking Air Conditioning and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your air conditioner acting weird? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.

The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct fix. By knowing 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 AC.

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 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 find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

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

Why Does My Air Conditioner 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 clogged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

Another possible explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner right away to avoid damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

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

One more 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 damaged insulation can also result in 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 conditioner so that it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, assess 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 could be a sign that the unit needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The noise could also be a sign the equipment has 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 obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a damaged or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?

One common cause of an AC not blowing 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 insufficient cool air. Another potential source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To address this, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

A home cooling system might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.

Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. Also, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and service the unit.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?

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

One common 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. Yet another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Northwest Services

If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, contact the professionals at Northwest Services for quality air conditioning repair in Swanton. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a persistent issue and requires frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If you could use air conditioning installation in Swanton, the first-rate crew at Northwest Services can help guide you through the process.