Solved: Leaking Air Conditioning and Five Other Problems

Is your AC acting unusual? 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 afflicted with. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the air conditioning system.

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

Here are some of of the typical AC problems and the signals 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 blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away unwanted 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 come out of the unit.

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

It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?

If your air conditioner is freezing up, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also lead to the buildup of frosty 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. Once the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including changing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a professional.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a signal that the unit needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The racket can also be caused by 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 increased noise. Additionally, a defective or old compressor can also produce 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 very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient 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, leading to 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 rectify this, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

An air conditioner might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.

The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if necessary. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, 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 running louder than they are supposed to, occasionally they also make strange noises.

One typical cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

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

Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Knoechel Heating

If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Knoechel Heating for quality air conditioning repair in Zelienople. Whether it’s a bizarre 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 needs frequent 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 for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Zelienople, the top-notch crew at Knoechel Heating can help guide you through the process.