Air conditioners are essential to life in hot climates. The intense heat these days is enough to have you running for cover to avoid it. Your air conditioner is what keeps you cool, comfortable and sane in these situations. When you have to ask “Why is my air conditioner leaking water?” we know it can be a terrifying time.
Indoor comfort was forever changed when heating and cooling systems were created. They help to create a livable, comfortable environment and they also make our lives easier. Can you imagine if we still had to light fires every day in our homes? What would that mean for you? What would it mean for your time? With all the comfort that air conditioners provide us, it’s difficult when you have a leaking ac unit.
Possible Causes For A/C Leaking Water
The condensate drain is clogged - This is the most common cause for a leaking air conditioner. The condensate drain line transports collected water out of the air conditioning unit. It can become clogged with dirt, dust, mold, or other small debris. When this happens, water builds up and leaks back into your property. Proper maintenance and servicing can help to prevent blocked drains. The blockage is usually cleared when your technician uses a special vacuum to pull out the debris.
Damaged drain pan - Your drain pan is located beneath the evaporator coil and it catches any condensation that comes from your a/c unit. If the drain pan is damaged or rusted, water will fall right through and leak into your home. The damaged drain pan will have to be replaced to prevent further leaking.
Broken condensate pump - Your a/c unit has a condensate pump that pumps water outside. As you can imagine, if this is broken, there will be a build-up of water in the condenser pan and the water eventually overflows, causing leaking inside your property. It might be possible to repair the pump, but your HVAC technician will have to assess the damage and determine the next steps. It is highly possible that the pump will need to be replaced.
Dirty air filter - Cool air is good but healthy air is even better. A dirty air filter is not only a health hazard but also a sure way to cause your a/c to leak. Whether you have a portable air conditioner or a window air conditioner, it is imperative to keep your air filters clean. A dirty air filter restricts airflow and the evaporator coil does not get the ventilation it needs to function properly. When this happens, the coils get too cold they freeze. This is made worse when the ice melts and the water drips into the drip pan. If this issue is not found in time, the drip pan will overflow. Left for a long period of time, this will cause a significant amount of inconvenience and health risks for your family. A technician from Wright’s AC and Heat can quickly change your filter and stop any leak caused by it.
Low refrigerant - The effects on your a/c unit when your refrigerant is low is similar to the effects of a dirty air filter. It lowers the pressure in the unit and causes the coils to freeze. As mentioned above, melted water drips into the drain pan and overflows when full. Hissing and bubbling sounds or a unit that doesn’t cool your home well are possible signs of low refrigerant. Your technician might recommend a simple ac repair or changing the unit completely depending on the damage.
Frozen evaporator coils - Notice a common factor in this list? Frozen evaporator coils result from a number of issues with your air conditioning unit, which results in leaking water. As mentioned above, it can be caused by dirty coils and also by blocked vents/registers, broken blower motor, or lack of refrigerant. Frozen evaporator coils will lead to warm air or no air at all coming from your unit. It can also cause problems with your compressor. It is important to immediately contact your HVAC technician to find out the cause of your issues to prevent or stop leaks. Being proactive can save you hundreds of dollars in replacement fees.
Your ac system makes your life comfortable and enjoyable but only if you take care of it and act quickly when you notice anything unusual, especially leaks. Your evaporator unit and condenser unit are critical parts of your system and leaking is often one of the first signs that something is wrong with them.
An energy-efficient unit that is working well is appreciated in these hot times. Cooling a room is not something that is taken for granted. Fix all repairs and ensure that your unit is properly serviced and maintained.
If you have changed your air filters and done basic troubleshooting and your air conditioner is still leaking water, contact Wright’s AC and Heat and our technicians can evaluate your unit and make repairs where needed. There is a reason we are well-trusted for our HVAC services in Wimberly, Texas. Our team is experienced and qualified to conduct all air conditioning repairs and installations. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
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