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 kind of issue the system is afflicted with. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique remedy. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to figure out 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 Air conditioning maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or to be fixed. This helps find potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.

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

Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?

An air conditioner leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

Another typical explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged 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 can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner right away to reduce the amount of damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Routine air conditioner maintenance, including replacing the air filter, examining the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?

If your air conditioner is freezing up, it may stem from a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of frigid air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

An additional 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 damaged insulation can also result in 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 air conditioner so that it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including replacing 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 could be an indication that it needs service. One frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. In addition, a broken 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 air conditioning system not blowing 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 insufficient cool air. Another possible cause 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. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To address this, it's important to inspect the air filter and change it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

A home cooling system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, find 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 that case, check the thermostat and change it, if necessary. Also, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to get a hold of a professional to inspect and service the unit.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners operating louder than they ought to, sometimes they also make strange noises.

One typical cause of weird noises is a malfunctioning fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

In addition, a clogged 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 woes, 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 Classic Air

If your air conditioning equipment is having trouble, call the professionals at Classic Air for quality air conditioning repair in Columbus. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a chronic issue and requires constant 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 your home needs air conditioning installation in Columbus, the first-rate crew at Classic Air can help guide you through the process.