Is your AC acting strange? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.

The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type 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 specific remedy. By knowing the specific symptoms, it's possible to identify 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 annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioner 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 to be fixed. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

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

Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?

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 unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

Another typical cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's important to address a leaking air conditioner right away to avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, examining 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 air conditioner is freezing up, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of frigid 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 chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the air conditioner and allow it to thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including changing 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 signal that your AC needs service. One common cause of a very loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The noise 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a broken or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an air conditioning system not producing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another potential 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 AC. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To fix this, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

Your air conditioning system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.

Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and replace it, if needed. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent 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.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?

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

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

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

As with a lot 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 County Line Mechanical LLC

If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, reach out to the professionals at County Line Mechanical LLC for quality air conditioning repair in Reinholds. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a chronic issue and needs repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Reinholds, the high-quality crew at County Line Mechanical LLC can help guide you through the process.