Solved: Air Conditioner Leaking and Five Other Cooling Issues

June 19, 2023

Is your AC acting unusual? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.

The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique fix. By recognizing the specific symptoms, you can 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 routine air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning 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 service. This helps locate potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.

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

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

Air conditioning leaking water can be a common 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 extra 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 explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfunctioning or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to avoid damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is running 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 happening.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

If your AC is freezing up, it could be one of a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or even 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 really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged insulation can also lead to 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. Once the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a professional.

Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a sign that it needs service. One frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The racket 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, a defective or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an air conditioner not generating cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another possible reason for this problem 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 AC. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To fix the issue, it's important to check the air filter and change 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 repair this, check 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 prevent the air conditioner from switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, 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 working 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 make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

In addition, a dirty 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 woes, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Call the Trusted AC Experts at Cool Air Solutions

If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Cool Air Solutions for quality air conditioning repair in Murrieta. 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 continual issue and demands repeated 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 for repairs. If you could use air conditioning installation in Murrieta, the high-quality crew at Cool Air Solutions can help guide you through the process.