Solved: Leaking Air Conditioning and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your AC acting strange? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.

The warning 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 distinct 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 AC.

While the symptoms are often distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular 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 repair. This helps find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

Here are a few of the common AC problems and the signals you may see:

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

Air conditioning 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 extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.

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

It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner promptly 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 occurring.

What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

If your AC is freezing up, it could stem from 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 can cause a buildup of cold 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 very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also result in the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the air conditioning so it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, check 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 Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a signal that it needs service. One prevalent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The noise might 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, a broken or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an air conditioner not making cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another possible reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels may 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 a lack of cool air. To rectify the issue, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

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

A home cooling system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair 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 starting. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if necessary. Also, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, 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, sometimes they also make strange noises.

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

Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can make hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Call the Trusted AC Experts at HCE Systems

If your air conditioner is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at HCE Systems for quality air conditioning repair in Norton. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another problem, 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 pay for service calls. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Norton, the top-notch crew at HCE Systems can help guide you through the process.