Solved: A Leaky AC Unit and Five Other Problems

Is your AC acting weird? Chances are, 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 afflicted with. Whether it’s odd noises, leaks, freezing up or another problem—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique remedy. By recognizing 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 very different, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual 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 repair. This helps uncover potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

Here are some of of the common AC problems and the signs 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 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 slow or stopped up with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.

Another potential explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a malfuncitoning or rusted drip pan, which can permit 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 necessary to address a leaking air conditioner right away to reduce the amount of damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including replacing 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.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

If your air conditioner is freezing up, it might be due to a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is restricted airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of frigid 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 lead to the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the system so it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine 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 skilled technician.

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 frequent cause of a noisy air conditioner is a malfunctioning fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. In addition, a defective or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Won'y My Air Conditioning Blow Cold Air?

One common cause of an AC not blowing cold air is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze, resulting in insufficient cool air. Another potential 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 conditioning. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause the AC not to blow cold air. To fix the issue, it's important to check the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

Why Won't My Air Conditioner Run or Start?

Your air conditioning system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, look at the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or switch out any blown fuses.

Another possible cause is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can prevent the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and fix the unit.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Make Weird Noises?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners working louder than they are supposed to, sometimes 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 issues can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. One other possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Additionally, a blocked 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 problems, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Contact Your Local AC Experts at Solar Air Inc.

If your air conditioner is having problems, call the professionals at Solar Air Inc. for quality air conditioning repair in Fort Lauderdale. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a nagging issue and demands constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more advantageous to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Fort Lauderdale, the first-rate crew at Solar Air Inc. can help guide you through the process.