Solved: A Leaky AC Unit and Five Other Problems

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

The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a distinct fix. By recognizing the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able to identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.

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 locating 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 the typical 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 air conditioner leak is a blocked condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away excess moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up 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 malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner right away to avoid damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Routine 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 developing in the future.

What's the Reason My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

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

Another 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 cause 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 system so it can thaw completely. When 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 a professional.

Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it may be an indication that it needs service. One common cause of a loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a failing 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 greater noise. Additionally, a damaged 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 producing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another possible 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 conditioner. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To rectify this particular problem, it's important to examine the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

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

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

The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from starting. In that case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if needed. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to get in touch with a professional to inspect and service the unit.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?

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

One common cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two issues can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Another 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 cause 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.

Call the Trusted AC Experts at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia

If your cooling system is having problems, contact the professionals at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia for quality air conditioning repair in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a continual issue and needs frequent 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 Milledgeville and Middle Georgia, the first-rate crew at Air Concepts of Middle Georgia can help guide you through the process.