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 sort of issue the system is experiencing. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another breakdown—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique repair. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's possible to identify the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the AC.

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 AC 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 locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.

Here are some of of the top AC problems and the indications you may see:

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?

A cooling system leaking water can be a widespread issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is is supposed to take away extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to leak.

Another possible reason for water leaking from an air conditioner is a broken or rusted drip pan, which can enable 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 prevent damage to your home and make sure that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Professional air conditioner maintenance, including changing the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

If your AC is freezing up, it may be because of a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is reduced airflow, which can be caused by a plugged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This can cause 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 cracked 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 power down the system so it can thaw completely. Once the system has thawed, assess 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 a sign that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a damaged fan motor or a failing 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 might have a dirty condenser coil, which can prevent airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. Additionally, a defective or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?

One common cause of an AC not blowing cold air is a very dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can significantly slow airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air. Another plausible source of this issue is a refrigerant leak.

Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioning. In addition, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause an air conditioner to not produce cool air. To rectify this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and replace it if necessary.

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

A home cooling system might not turn on because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.

The source of the issue also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can keep the air conditioner from switching on. If that's the case, check the thermostat and substitute it with a new one, if necessary. Also, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can keep the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and fix 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 broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two problems can make scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another 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 cause hissing or bubbling noises.

As with lots of air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of odd noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.

Call the Trusted AC Experts at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling

If your air conditioning equipment is having problems, call the professionals at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Des Moines. Whether it’s a bizarre noise, a leak or another issue, our skilled professionals can get your unit back up and running fast!

If your AC has a chronic issue and demands frequent or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more beneficial to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you could use air conditioning installation in Des Moines, the top-notch crew at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.