Solved: A Leaky AC Unit and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your air conditioner acting weird? If so, it's good to pay attention because 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 experiencing. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By recognizing the specific symptoms, you can figure out 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 routine 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 locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.

Here are a few of the top 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 clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

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

It's important to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, examining 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 conditioner is freezing up, it could be because of a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of cold 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 very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also cause 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. When the system has thawed, assess 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.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a signal that it needs service. One common cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing 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 block 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 AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an AC not blowing cold air is a very dirty 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 reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your AC. 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 Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

Your air conditioning system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, find 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 starting. In that case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. Additionally, a problematic 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 service the unit.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they should, occasionally they also make peculiar noises.

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

Furthermore, a dirty air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Contact Your Local AC Experts at Central Heating & Plumbing

If your cooling system is having problems, call the professionals at Central Heating & Plumbing for quality air conditioning repair in New Castle. Whether it’s a bizarre 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 requires 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 for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in New Castle, the top-notch crew at Central Heating & Plumbing can help guide you through the process.