Solved: Air Conditioner Leaking and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your air conditioning acting unusual? If so, it's good to pay attention because 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 experiencing. Whether it’s weird 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 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 distinct, 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 looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.

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

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

A cooling system leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away 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 typical explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.

What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

If your air conditioner is freezing up, it might be because of a variety of reasons. One typical 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.

An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged insulation can also lead to 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 air conditioning so that it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.

Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be an indication that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The noise could 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. In addition, a broken or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an AC not making cold air is a very dirty 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 possible cause 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 air conditioning. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To fix this, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

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

An air conditioner might not start up 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 cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and service the unit.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they are supposed to, 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 dilemmas can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

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

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

Contact Your Local AC Experts at Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning

If your cooling system is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Warrenton. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a continual issue and demands frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Warrenton, the high-quality crew at Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.