Solved: A Leaky AC Unit and Five Other Cooling Issues

Is your air conditioning acting unusual? Chances are, 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 experiencing. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By recognizing 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 air conditioning system.

While the symptoms are often very different, 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 repair. This helps locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

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

Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?

Air conditioning 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 is supposed to take away unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

Another potential explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, 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 be certain that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, taking a look at the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from developing in the future.

What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

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

One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient 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 power down the air conditioning so that it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including changing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.

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 common cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness could also be caused by loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.

A noisy air conditioner also could have a dirty condenser coil, which can prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, 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 air conditioner not producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels can 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 particular problem, it's important to check the air filter and replace it if necessary.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Working or Not Turning On?

Your air conditioning system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses.

Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from starting. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if required. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent 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.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they are supposed to, sometimes they also make peculiar noises.

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

Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.

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

Contact Your Local AC Experts at Air Alliance Team

If your air conditioning equipment is having issues, call the professionals at Air Alliance Team for quality air conditioning repair in Ballwin and St. Charles. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled professionals 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 beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Ballwin and St. Charles, the high-quality crew at Air Alliance Team can help guide you through the process.