Is your AC acting unusual? There's a good chance 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 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 recognizing the specific symptoms, you can figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.

While the symptoms are often unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular 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 repair. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause breakdowns or other issues.

Here are a few of the common AC problems and the signals 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 blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

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

It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to avoid damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

If your air conditioning is freezing up, it might be due to 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.

An additional 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 cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the air conditioning so that it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, check 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 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 racket 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 could have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a defective or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an air conditioner not making cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another potential 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 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 fix this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.

The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. In addition, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and repair 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 typical cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems 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 make hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Call the Trusted AC Experts at Luikart Heating & Cooling

If your air conditioner is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Luikart Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Newark. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a persistent issue and needs frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If you could use air conditioning installation in Newark, the high-quality crew at Luikart Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.