Solved: Air Conditioner Leaking and Five Other Cooling Issues

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

The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct repair. By identifying 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 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 finding any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.

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

Why Do AC Systems Leak?

A cooling system leaking water can be a widespread 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 unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

Another possible cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning 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 necessary to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to avoid damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is operating 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.

What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

If your air conditioning is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes 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 compromised 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 switch off the system so it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, check 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 an expert.

Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a signal that your AC needs service. One common cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The racket 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 block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a broken 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 producing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very 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 conditioning. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address the issue, it's important to inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.

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

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

The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and fix the unit.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they should, sometimes 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 issues can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Additionally, 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 a lot of air conditioner woes, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Forster Heating

If your air conditioner is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at Forster Heating for quality air conditioning repair in Auburn. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a persistent issue and demands 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 need air conditioning installation in Auburn, the high-quality crew at Forster Heating can help guide you through the process.