Solved: Leaking Air Conditioning and Five Other Cooling Issues

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

The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.

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 conditioner 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 service. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.

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

Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?

An air conditioner 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 come out of the unit.

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

It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.

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 reduced airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

One more 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 cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the air conditioning so it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including replacing 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 could be a sign that it needs service. One prevalent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a failing fan belt. The loudness 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, 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 air conditioning system not blowing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To rectify this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

An air conditioner might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.

Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from starting. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. Additionally, 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.

Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they are supposed to, sometimes they also make weird noises.

One common cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Furthermore, a blocked 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 problems, 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 Stanford Heating & Cooling

If your cooling system is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at Stanford Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Bloomfield. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a nagging issue and needs repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you need air conditioning installation in Bloomfield, the top-notch crew at Stanford Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.