Solved: A Leaky AC Unit and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your AC acting strange? Chances are, it’s trying to tell you something.

The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort 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 unique remedy. By knowing the specific symptoms, you can 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 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 locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

Here are some of the top AC problems and the signals you may see:

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

An air conditioner leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.

Another potential cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, 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 avoid damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning 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 occurring.

What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

If your air conditioner is freezing up, it might be because of a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted 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.

An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised 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 power down the air conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine 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 an indication that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The racket could 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 block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a defective or old compressor can also be a reason you hear loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an air conditioning system not producing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another possible source of this issue 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 conditioner. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To address the issue, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

Your air conditioning system might not switch 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 stop the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and replace it, if required. Also, a malfunctioning 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 repair the unit.

Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they should, at times they also make peculiar noises.

One typical cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other 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 make hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning

If your air conditioning equipment is having trouble, call the professionals at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning for quality air conditioning repair in Wyandotte. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a nagging issue and requires repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Wyandotte, the top-notch crew at Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning can help guide you through the process.