Solved: Air Conditioner Leaking and Five Other Problems

Is your air conditioner acting unusual? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.

The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type 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 unique remedy. 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 distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC 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 locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.

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

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

An air conditioner leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

Another potential reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, 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 right away to avoid damage to your home and ensure 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 happening.

What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes 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 restricted airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged 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 turn off the air conditioning so that 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 replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.

Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a sign that it needs service. One prevalent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The loudness might 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a defective 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 air conditioner not blowing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another possible cause is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify this, it's important to examine the air filter and replace it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

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

Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, 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 working louder than they should, sometimes 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. Yet another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

In addition, a blocked air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Call the Trusted AC Experts at H&C Heating and Cooling

If your air conditioner is having issues, contact the professionals at H&C Heating and Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Laurel. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a chronic 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 repair bills. If you need air conditioning installation in Laurel, the first-rate crew at H&C Heating and Cooling can help guide you through the process.