Solved: Leaking Air Conditioning and Five Other Problems

Is your air conditioner acting unusual? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.

The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique fix. By recognizing 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 AC.

While the symptoms are often very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual 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 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 widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a blocked 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 leak.

Another potential cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning 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 can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, taking a look at the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.

What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

If your air conditioner 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 blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of chilled 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 very 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 power down 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 amiss. Regular maintenance, including exchanging the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.

Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The loudness might 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. 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 AC not blowing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential source of this issue 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. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To rectify this particular problem, 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 switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.

The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. Additionally, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of 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 operating louder than they should, occasionally they also make weird noises.

One frequently encountered 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. Another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

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

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

Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Gilray Heating and Cooling

If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, reach out to the professionals at Gilray Heating and Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Wausau. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a continual issue and requires 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 pay for service calls. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Wausau, the first-rate crew at Gilray Heating and Cooling can help guide you through the process.