Solved: A Leaky AC Unit and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your air conditioner 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 kind 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 fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can identify 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 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 locate potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.

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

Another typical cause of water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump could 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 ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular 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.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?

If your AC 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 blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

Another reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also result in the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to turn off the air conditioning so that it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, assess 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.

Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that the unit needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The racket 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, a defective or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an AC not blowing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another plausible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels may also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, which can result in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool 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?

Your air conditioning system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, find the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.

The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and change it, if necessary. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, 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 running louder than they ought to, at times they also make weird noises.

One common cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another potential cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

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

Contact Your Local AC Experts at Siloam Springs Heating & AC

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

If your AC has a continual issue and needs repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Siloam Springs, the top-notch crew at Siloam Springs Heating & AC can help guide you through the process.