A leaking air conditioner can be both an annoyance and a hassle. Even if the AC is working fine and cooling your home properly, the dripping will cause a big mess. If you are having to mop your floor again and again because of a leaking air conditioner, here are some troubleshooting tips for you. Before that, let’s find out where the water comes from in your air conditioner.
How does water form in your air conditioner?
Your air conditioning system has an indoor and outdoor unit. Within the indoor unit, there is an evaporator coil, which cools the warm air that blows over it. This is how your air conditioner creates a comfortable indoor temperature. When the warm air blows over the evaporator coil, condensation forms. The moisture then drips into a condensate pan, which leads to a drain line that directs the water outside. If anything goes wrong during any part of this process, your air conditioner may start leaking water. In most cases, it is a simple fix. Here are some common causes of a leaking air conditioner:
Clogged condensate drain line
This is probably the most common cause of water leaking from the air conditioner into your home. When the drain line is clogged with dirt, dust, or mold, it can cause water to back up into your home. You can solve this problem by unclogging your condensate line using a dry or wet vac. If you are unable to unclog it, call a professional to do it for you.
Damaged condensate drain pan
A damaged or rusted drain pain can also cause your air conditioner to leak water. If your air conditioner is older than 15 years, it likely needs a new drain pan. Replacing the drain pan can solve the problem.
Damaged condenser
The outdoor unit of your air conditioner is the condenser. It helps release all the heat that the indoor unit collects from the indoors. The system can start leaking water when the condenser is damaged or malfunctioning. Look for signs of damage, such as leaking coolant or cracks in the housing. It is best to let a technician have a look and determine if the condenser can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
Low refrigerant levels
Too little refrigerant in your conditioner can lower the pressure in the unit and cause refrigerant leaks. You will also notice that your home will not be as cool as it is supposed to be. It will also cause the evaporator coils to freeze up. It won’t pose a problem initially, but when it begins to heat up again, the frozen moisture will melt and cause a leak. The moment you notice all these symptoms. Call your HVCA technician to check the refrigerant levels and top it up if required.
Clogged air filter
When the air filter is clogged with dirt, dust, or other debris, it will not be able to do its job and won’t be able to supply power to evaporator coils. A dirty air filter can cause the coils to freeze because of obstructed airflow. This can lead to a host of other problems. So, it would be best to have the air filters replaced at regular intervals.
The best way to ensure that your air conditioner always works in top condition is through scheduled maintenance. Professional maintenance before the onset of the cooling season can prevent sudden breakdowns and keep your air conditioner working at peak efficiency. Contact our team to schedule a maintenance visit.
