Is your air conditioning acting unusual? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.

The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to 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 very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC 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 the common AC problems and the indications you may see:

Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?

A cooling system leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove extra 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 reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including replacing 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 conditioning is freezing up, it may be due to a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be reduced refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also result in the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the air conditioner so that it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including changing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.

Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be a sign that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a failing fan belt. The noise 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Additionally, a defective or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?

One common cause of an air conditioning system not producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels might also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, leading to a lack of cool air coming from your AC. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address this particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

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

Your air conditioning system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, check 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 switching on. In that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. Also, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent 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 ought to, occasionally they also make peculiar noises.

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

Furthermore, 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 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 Anderson Heating & A/C

If your air conditioner is having trouble, call the professionals at Anderson Heating & A/C for quality air conditioning repair in Carson City. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a continual issue and requires repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Carson City, the top-notch crew at Anderson Heating & A/C can help guide you through the process.