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

The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the sort of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a specific remedy. By recognizing the specific symptoms, you can identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the unit.

While the symptoms are often distinct, 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 finding any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or repair. This helps find potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

Here are a few of the common AC problems and the signs you may see:

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

A cooling system leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an AC leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is designed to remove extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes plugged with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.

Another possible reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can permit water to overflow and leak out of the unit. Additionally, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.

It's crucial 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 operating efficiently. Regular 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 Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

If your AC is freezing up, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One common cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a blocked air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This sometimes causes a buildup of cold air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.

One more reason your air conditioner is frozen might be low refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become really cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also result in the buildup of cold air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to switch off the system and allow it to thaw completely. After the system has thawed, assess the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including exchanging 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 the unit needs service. One frequent cause of a very loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The loudness might also be caused by loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.

A noisy air conditioner also could have a dirty condenser coil, which can block airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a defective 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 conditioner not making cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another potential source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.

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

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

An air conditioner might not switch on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To repair 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 that case, check the thermostat and replace it, if necessary. Also, a faulty 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 repair the unit.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?

In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they are supposed 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 problems can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.

Furthermore, a dirty air filter can cause an AC to make whistling or wheezing noises, while a refrigerant leak can produce hissing or bubbling noises.

As with many air conditioner problems, the root cause of strange noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Call the Trusted AC Experts at B & B Heating & Cooling

If your air conditioner is having trouble, call the professionals at B & B Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Florissant. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled team members can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a chronic issue and demands constant or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay repair bills. If you could use air conditioning installation in Florissant, the high-quality crew at B & B Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.