Solved: A Leaky AC Unit and Five Other Cooling Issues

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

The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can narrow down 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 Air conditioner 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 locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

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

Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?

Air conditioning leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a plugged 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 escape.

Another possible 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. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It’s crucial to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging 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 may be because of 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 can cause a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged 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 power down the system so it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including exchanging 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 it needs service. One frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a defective or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My Air Conditioner 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 limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another possible cause is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address the issue, it’s important to check the air filter and change 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 fix this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.

Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from starting. If that’s the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it’s best to contact a professional to inspect and repair the unit.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they are supposed to, at times they also make peculiar noises.

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

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

As with a lot 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 Three Rivers Heating and Cooling

If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, contact the professionals at Three Rivers Heating and Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Portland. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a nagging issue and needs constant 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 repair bills. If you could use air conditioning installation in Portland, the first-rate crew at Three Rivers Heating and Cooling can help guide you through the process.