Solved: Air Conditioner Leaking and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your AC acting weird? If so, it's good to pay attention because 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 afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By knowing the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.

While the symptoms are often unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning 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 locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

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

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

Air conditioning leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away 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 typical 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 malfunctioning pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to avoid damage to your home and make sure 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.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?

If your air conditioning is freezing up, it may stem from a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of chilled 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 too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged insulation can also lead to 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 that it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. 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 sign that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket 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 prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a damaged or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an air conditioning system not producing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another possible reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your AC. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To rectify this particular problem, it's important to inspect 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 correct this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.

The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and repair the unit.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they are supposed to, at times they also make strange noises.

One common 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. One other 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 a lot of air conditioner woes, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at GLR Mechanical

If your air conditioning equipment is having trouble, call the professionals at GLR Mechanical for quality air conditioning repair in Wilkes Barre and Scranton. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a persistent issue and demands 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 could use air conditioning installation in Wilkes Barre and Scranton, the top-notch crew at GLR Mechanical can help guide you through the process.