Solved: Air Conditioner Leaking and Five Other Problems

Is your AC acting strange? 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 kind of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct remedy. 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 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 conditioning maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as finding any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps find potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.

Here are a few of the common AC problems and the signs you may see:

Why Do AC Systems Leak?

A cooling system 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 designed to remove excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.

Another typical explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's important to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Professional 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.

What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

If your air conditioning is freezing up, it might stem from a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to 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 lead to the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the system so that it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including exchanging the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a professional.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make So Much Noise?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that it needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The racket 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 block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. In addition, 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 AC not producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another possible 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 air conditioner. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To address this, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

An air conditioner might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair this, look at 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. In this case, check the thermostat and change it, if required. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to contact 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 running louder than they are supposed to, occasionally they also make peculiar noises.

One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Furthermore, a blocked air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

If your air conditioning equipment is having trouble, reach out to the professionals at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc for quality air conditioning repair in South Beloit and Belvidere. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a continual issue and needs constant 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 pay for service calls. If you need air conditioning installation in South Beloit and Belvidere, the top-notch crew at Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc can help guide you through the process.