Solved: Leaking Air Conditioning and Five Other Problems

Is your air conditioner acting weird? If so, it's good to pay attention because 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 problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to 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 distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC 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 repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.

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

Why Do AC Systems Leak?

An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

Another typical reason 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. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to avoid damage to your home and ensure 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 occurring.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?

If your air conditioning is freezing up, it may stem from a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced 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.

Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged 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 turn off the air conditioning so 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 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 might be an indication that it needs service. One common cause of a very loud 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 obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, a damaged 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 air conditioner not blowing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of 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 air conditioning. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To rectify this, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?

A home cooling system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix 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 stop the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. In addition, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and repair the unit.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they ought to, at times they also make strange noises.

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

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

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

Contact Your Local AC Experts at Tri City Fuel & Heating

If your air conditioner is having issues, contact the professionals at Tri City Fuel & Heating for quality air conditioning repair in West Columbia. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a persistent issue and requires constant 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 repair bills. If your home needs air conditioning installation in West Columbia, the top-notch crew at Tri City Fuel & Heating can help guide you through the process.