Solved: Air Conditioner Leaking and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your air conditioner acting strange? 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 kind of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique remedy. By knowing the specific symptoms, you can figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.

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 conditioner 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 to be fixed. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.

Here are a few of the typical AC problems and the signs you may see:

Why Do AC Systems Leak?

A cooling system leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

Another typical explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump could 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 make sure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, taking a look at 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 air conditioning is freezing up, it may be due to a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of chilled 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 really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also lead to 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 conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. When 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 Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be an indication that the unit needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning 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 block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a broken or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?

One common cause of an AC not making cold air is a clogged 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 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 AC. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address this particular problem, it's important to examine the air filter and change it if necessary.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?

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

Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. Also, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with 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 weird noises.

One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Furthermore, a blocked 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 lots 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 ACE Solutions

If your cooling system is having problems, reach out to the professionals at ACE Solutions for quality air conditioning repair in Hasbrouck Heights. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members 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 advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If you could use air conditioning installation in Hasbrouck Heights, the top-notch crew at ACE Solutions can help guide you through the process.