Solved: Leaking Air Conditioning and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your air conditioning acting strange? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.

The signs 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 breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific fix. By knowing the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.

While the symptoms are often distinct, 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 service. This helps find potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.

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

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread 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 excess 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 potential explanation for 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 malfunctioning pump can 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 be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

If your air conditioner is freezing up, it might be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited 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.

One more 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 compromised insulation can also cause 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 conditioner and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including replacing 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 a signal that it needs service. One prevalent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness can 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 block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Similarly, a damaged or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an air conditioning system not making cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another possible cause 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. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To address this, it's important to check the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

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

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

The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get in touch with 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 weird noises.

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

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

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

Contact Your Local AC Experts at Woody's Sudden Service

If your air conditioner is having trouble, contact the professionals at Woody's Sudden Service for quality air conditioning repair in Manassas. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled team members 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 repair bills. If you could use air conditioning installation in Manassas, the first-rate crew at Woody's Sudden Service can help guide you through the process.