Is your air conditioning 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 type 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 unique fix. By knowing 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 air conditioning system.

While the symptoms are often unique, 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 looking for 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 some of of the top AC problems and the signals you may see:

Why Do AC Systems Leak?

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 designed to remove unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

Another potential 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. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner right away 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 exchanging the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

If your air conditioner is freezing up, it might be because of a variety of reasons. One frequent 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 frigid 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 too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also cause 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 conditioner and allow it to thaw completely. When 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 a professional.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a sign that it needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The loudness 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, 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 making 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 a lack of cool air. Another plausible source of this issue 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 air conditioning. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and change it if necessary.

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

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

The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. 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.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they should, at times they also make strange noises.

One common cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed 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 produce hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Call the Trusted AC Experts at Central Heating & Plumbing

If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, call the professionals at Central Heating & Plumbing for quality air conditioning repair in New Castle. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a persistent issue and demands constant 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 your home needs air conditioning installation in New Castle, the top-notch crew at Central Heating & Plumbing can help guide you through the process.