Solved: Leaking Air Conditioning and Five Other Problems

Is your air conditioning 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 type of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's possible to narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.

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 looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

Here are a few of the common AC problems and the signals 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 AC leak is a blocked 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, debris or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

Another possible cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, taking a look at 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 AC is freezing up, it might stem from a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also result in the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the air conditioning so that it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, assess 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.

Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be an indication that your AC needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The racket might also be caused by loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.

A noisy air conditioner also might have a dirty condenser coil, which can prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a broken or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an AC not producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very 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. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address the issue, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.

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

A home cooling system might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.

Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and service the unit.

Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?

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

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

Additionally, a blocked air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Call the Trusted AC Experts at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning

If your air conditioning equipment is having trouble, contact the professionals at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Savage. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a nagging issue and demands repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you need air conditioning installation in Savage, the high-quality crew at Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.