Solved: Air Conditioner Leaking and Five Other Problems

Is your AC acting weird? 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 experiencing. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, you can narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.

While the symptoms are often unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioner 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 uncover 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 Do AC Systems Leak?

A cooling system leaking water can be a frequent issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, particles or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

Another potential explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can enable water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Also, a refrigerant leak or a broken pump can also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's important to address a leaking air conditioner right away to prevent damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is functioning efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking 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 conditioning is freezing up, it could be because of a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become too 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 switch off the air conditioning and allow it to thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is amiss. Regular maintenance, including changing 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 a signal that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The noise 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a damaged or old compressor can also produce loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My Air Conditioner 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 limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another possible cause is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To fix the issue, it's important to check the air filter and change it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

An air conditioner might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, check 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 substitute it with a new one, if necessary. In addition, a problematic compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to get a hold of 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, at times they also make weird noises.

One frequently encountered cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

In addition, a clogged 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 strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.

If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, call the professionals at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. for quality air conditioning repair in Shamokin and Sunbury. 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 requires repeated 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 Shamokin and Sunbury, the high-quality crew at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. can help guide you through the process.