Solved: A Leaky AC Unit and Five Other Problems

Is your air conditioner acting unusual? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.

The signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort 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 unique repair. 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 AC.

While the symptoms are often distinct, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine AC 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 breakdowns or other issues.

Here are some of of the common AC problems and the indications you may see:

Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?

Air conditioning leaking water can be a widespread 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 clogged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

Another possible 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 busted pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner quickly to prevent 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 Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?

If your AC is freezing up, it may be due to 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 can cause a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

One more 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 cracked 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 switch off the system so it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, assess 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 skilled technician.

Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be an indication that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The loudness can 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Similarly, a broken 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 conditioning system not blowing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another possible reason for this problem 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 the AC not to blow cold air. To fix the issue, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.

Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?

A home cooling system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.

The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In that case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and fix the unit.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?

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

One typical cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues 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 cause hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Contact Your Local AC Experts at GV Heating & Air

If your cooling system is having issues, contact the professionals at GV Heating & Air for quality air conditioning repair in Crystal and Twin Cities. 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 persistent issue and requires frequent 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 for repairs. If you need air conditioning installation in Crystal and Twin Cities, the top-notch crew at GV Heating & Air can help guide you through the process.