Solved: Leaking Air Conditioning and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your air conditioner acting strange? 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 sort of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can identify 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 regular 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 breakdowns or other issues.

Here are some of the typical AC problems and the signals you may see:

Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?

Air conditioning leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

Another possible reason for 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. In addition, 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 reduce the amount of damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from happening.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?

If your air conditioner is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One frequent 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.

An additional 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 damaged insulation can also result in the buildup of frosty 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. Once the system has thawed, examine 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 an expert.

Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be an indication that it needs service. One frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a malfunctioning 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a damaged or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?

One common cause of an air conditioning system not making cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential cause 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. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To rectify this, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

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

Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from starting. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get in touch with 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 ought to, at times they also make peculiar noises.

One typical cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Furthermore, 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 woes, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Call the Trusted AC Experts at Clean Air HVAC

If your cooling system is having trouble, call the professionals at Clean Air HVAC for quality air conditioning repair in Pacheco. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a chronic issue and requires repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Pacheco, the first-rate crew at Clean Air HVAC can help guide you through the process.