Is your AC acting unusual? If so, it's good to pay attention because 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 experiencing. Whether it’s peculiar noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By knowing the specific symptoms, it's possible to narrow down the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.

While the symptoms are often distinct, 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 looking for 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 indications you may see:

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

An air conditioner leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove unwanted moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes clogged with dirt, dust or mold, water can back up and start to escape.

Another typical cause of 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. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a busted pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's necessary to address a leaking air conditioner right away to prevent damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is running efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, examining 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 conditioning is freezing up, it may stem from 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 can cause a buildup of cold 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 too cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked 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 air conditioning so that it can thaw completely. When the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if something is broken. Regular maintenance, including changing the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.

Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?

If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it could be an indication that your AC needs service. One common cause of a noisy air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a failing fan belt. The loudness can 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 may have a dirty condenser coil, which can hinder airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in greater noise. Similarly, a broken 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 AC not making cold air is a very dirty 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 plausible reason for this problem 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 AC. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To fix the issue, it's important to inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.

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

An air conditioner might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To fix this, find 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 stop the air conditioner from turning on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and change it, if needed. Additionally, a malfunctioning compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. To address this issue, 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 running louder than they ought to, at times they also make peculiar noises.

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

Additionally, a clogged 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 uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Contact Your Local AC Experts at Rescue Heating & Air

If your air conditioner is having issues, contact the professionals at Rescue Heating & Air for quality air conditioning repair in Alice. Whether it’s a peculiar noise, a leak or another problem, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a persistent issue and requires frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay for repairs. If your home needs air conditioning installation in Alice, the first-rate crew at Rescue Heating & Air can help guide you through the process.