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 odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By identifying 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 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 locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps find potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.

Here are some of the top AC problems and the signs 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 plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

Another potential reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, 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 reduce the amount of damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is functioning 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 happening.

What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

If your AC is freezing up, it could stem from a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited 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.

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 cracked insulation can also cause the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the system so that it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, check 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 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 your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The noise could also be a sign the equipment has loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.

A noisy air conditioner also might have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. In addition, a damaged 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 clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another potential reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address this, it's important to inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.

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

A home cooling system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.

The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. Additionally, a malfunctioning 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.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they should, occasionally they also make peculiar noises.

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

Furthermore, a blocked air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Call the Trusted AC Experts at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning

If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Omaha. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a persistent issue and requires frequent 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 Omaha, the first-rate crew at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.