Solved: A Leaky AC Unit and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your air conditioner acting unusual? There's a good chance 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 suffering from. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct fix. By recognizing the specific symptoms, you can identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.

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 AC 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 to be fixed. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.

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

Why Do AC Systems Leak?

Air conditioning leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged 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, dust or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

Another typical reason for 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 busted pump might 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 be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including changing 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 conditioning is freezing up, it might stem from a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause 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 cause the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the air conditioner so it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including exchanging the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a professional.

Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a signal that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The racket could 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, a broken 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 conditioner not making cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another plausible reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels may 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 an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To fix this, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

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

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 switch out any blown fuses.

Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from starting. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and repair the unit.

Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they are supposed to, occasionally they also make weird 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 potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Furthermore, a clogged 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 strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Contact Your Local AC Experts at Aggressive Mechanical

If your cooling system is having problems, call the professionals at Aggressive Mechanical for quality air conditioning repair in Neptune City. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a continual issue and needs frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If you need air conditioning installation in Neptune City, the top-notch crew at Aggressive Mechanical can help guide you through the process.