Solved: Leaking Air Conditioning and Five Other Problems

Is your air conditioner acting unusual? There's a good chance it’s trying to tell you something.

The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—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 identify 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 locating any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or to be fixed. This helps locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

Here are a few of the typical AC problems and the signals you may see:

Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?

Air conditioning 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 designed to remove unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

Another typical reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump might 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 make sure 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 happening.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?

If your air conditioning is freezing up, it may be due to a variety of reasons. One common 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 frigid 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 very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or compromised insulation can also cause 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 conditioning so it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, check the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including replacing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by a skilled technician.

Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be an indication that the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The racket 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a broken or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an air conditioner not producing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter limit airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another possible reason for this problem 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. Also, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To rectify this, it's important to inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.

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

An air conditioner might not start up 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.

The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from starting. In this case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can prevent the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the situation, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and fix the unit.

Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?

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

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

In addition, a dirty air filter can cause whistling or wheezing noises from an air conditioner, while a refrigerant leak can produce 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.

Call the Trusted AC Experts at Controlled Comfort HVAC

If your air conditioner is having problems, reach out to the professionals at Controlled Comfort HVAC for quality air conditioning repair in Carpentersville. Whether it’s a peculiar 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 advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If you could use air conditioning installation in Carpentersville, the first-rate crew at Controlled Comfort HVAC can help guide you through the process.