Is your air conditioning acting weird? 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 ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By recognizing the specific symptoms, it’s possible to figure out 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 conditioning maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

Here are a few of the typical AC problems and the signals you may see:

• Why Do AC Systems Leak?
  An air conditioner leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an AC 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 plugged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
  Another typical reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
  It’s necessary to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to prevent damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
• Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
  If your air conditioner is freezing up, it may be due to a variety of reasons. One frequent cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
  One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or damaged insulation can also result in the buildup of chilled air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
  To fix a frozen air conditioner, it’s important to switch off the system and allow it to thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.
• Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?
  If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be an indication that your AC needs service. One common cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The racket 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can prevent 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 air conditioner not producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another plausible reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
  Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. In addition, 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 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 correct this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.
  The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. Also, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it’s best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and service the unit.
• Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?
  In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they are supposed to, occasionally they also make weird noises.
  One typical cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
  In addition, a blocked air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.

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