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 symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct remedy. By knowing the specific symptoms, you can figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the air conditioning system.

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 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 repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.

Here are some of of the top AC problems and the indications you may see:

Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?

An air conditioner leaking water can be a common 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 extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

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. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

If your AC is freezing up, it might 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 can cause a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also lead to the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the air conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including exchanging the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.

Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a signal that it needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness 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. 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 conditioner not making cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another potential source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels may 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. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To fix this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

Your air conditioning system might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, inspect 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 switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with 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 ought to, at times they also make weird noises.

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

Furthermore, a dirty 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 predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Brookwood Inc

If your cooling system is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Brookwood Inc for quality air conditioning repair in Newton. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a nagging issue and requires repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If you could use air conditioning installation in Newton, the first-rate crew at Brookwood Inc can help guide you through the process.