Solved: A Leaky AC Unit and Five Other Problems

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

The warning signs of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the kind 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 specific repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's more likely that you'll be able 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 unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioning maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as finding any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps locate potential problems before they cause equipment failures or other issues.

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

Why Do AC Systems Leak?

An air conditioner 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 responsible for removing extra 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 explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump could also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's crucial to address a leaking air conditioner right away to prevent damage to your home and ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Professional 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 occurring.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?

If your air conditioning is freezing up, it might be because of a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a plugged 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 low 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 turn off the air conditioner and allow it to thaw completely. When the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. 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 a sign that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. The racket could also be the result of 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 hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in more noise. Additionally, a broken 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 AC 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 potential cause is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels may 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 a lack of cool air. To address this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.

Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?

A home cooling system might not turn on 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.

The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from switching on. In this case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. 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 repair the unit.

Should My Air Conditioner Be Making a Loud Noise?

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

One common cause of weird noises is a deteriorating fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can produce scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another possible cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

In addition, 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 many air conditioner problems, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Call the Trusted AC Experts at Ilten's

If your cooling system is having problems, contact the professionals at Ilten's for quality air conditioning repair in Cedar Rapids. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members 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 repair bills. If you could use air conditioning installation in Cedar Rapids, the top-notch crew at Ilten's can help guide you through the process.