Is your AC acting unusual? If so, it's good to pay attention because 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 weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's possible 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 distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual 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 to be fixed. This helps find 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 Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

Air conditioning leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

Another potential explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump might 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 ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Professional 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 happening.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

If your AC is freezing up, it might 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 sometimes causes a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged 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 system and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.

Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be a signal that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The noise 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 obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Similarly, a damaged 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 AC not blowing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another potential source of this issue 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 conditioner. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify this, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?

A home cooling system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, check 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 starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. Also, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and fix the unit.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they should, sometimes they also make peculiar noises.

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

In addition, a clogged air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Call the Trusted AC Experts at Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc.

If your cooling system is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. for quality air conditioning repair in Branchville. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a chronic issue and requires constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Branchville, the high-quality crew at Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. can help guide you through the process.