Is your AC acting weird? If so, it's good to pay attention because 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 problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct fix. By knowing the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able 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 regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning 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 service. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.

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

Why Do AC Systems Leak?

An air conditioner leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

Another typical cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump can 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. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, taking a look at 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 might stem from a variety of reasons. One typical 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 chilled 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 damaged insulation can also result in 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 air conditioner so that it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine 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 professional.

Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a sign that it needs service. One frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The loudness might 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Similarly, 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 conditioner not producing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another possible source of this issue 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 air conditioner. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address the issue, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?

A home cooling 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.

The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from starting. In that case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if required. Also, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and repair the unit.

Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?

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

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

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

As with lots 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 Watts Electric & AC

If your cooling system is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Watts Electric & AC for quality air conditioning repair in Columbia. 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 needs 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 repair bills. If you could use air conditioning installation in Columbia, the first-rate crew at Watts Electric & AC can help guide you through the process.