8 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Is Leaking Water
As the summer heat sets in, air conditioners become an essential part of everyday life. However, if your AC is leaking water, it can not only cause inconvenience but also damage your property.
In this blog post, I will discuss the common reasons why your AC is leaking water and what you can do about it.
Why is Your Air Conditioner Leaking Water?
An air conditioner can leak water due to a clogged condensate drain line, a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, or a damaged condensate pan.
Here is the list of 6 reasons why your air conditioner unit might be leaking water in the house.
8 Reasons Why Your AC Unit is Leaking Water
Faulty Pump
A faulty condensate pump is another possibility if your air conditioner is leaking. The pump should direct water outdoors if the unit is in a basement. A malfunctioning pump will prevent water from being pumped from the house. If you want to keep water from wreaking havoc on your home, you must have this fixed or replaced immediately.
It’s wise to seek the advice of experts whenever possible. If you overlook a dripping air conditioner, that leak might become a deluge in days or weeks. If you need help determining the nature of the issue, you should always see a professional.
Dirty Air Filters
Pollutants may quickly clog air filters. As air filters get clogged with dirt, it’s more difficult for air to reach the evaporator coil. The coils will cool it down to the point where it freezes. They will eventually melt, releasing an overwhelming amount of water. Your air conditioning will leak as a result of this procedure. The filters should be checked first to see if that is the problem. If it is unclean, it must be discarded and replaced.
Improper Set-up
Double-check the installation if you have a brand-new air conditioner that starts leaking on the first day. Check to determine whether your air conditioner was placed unevenly first. If that’s not the case, you might seek an expert’s assistance to pinpoint the problem’s source.
A Refrigerant Leak
It might be the refrigerant if the emission of warmer-than-usual air follows the leaks. The refrigerant converts the heated air in your room into cold air. As breathing in leaking refrigerant may harm your health, you should immediately call a specialist to repair your air conditioner. Long-term contact with the leaks may be harmful to human health.
Stacks of Mildew and Fungus
Clogged drains are a typical source of leaks. Water flow obstruction may be caused by debris, including dirt, dust, and fungi. The AC will spring a leak as water seeks another exit. You might develop respiratory difficulties if you ignore this issue for too long. The leak can only be stopped once the expert comes and cleans it.
Improper Installation
If your AC was not installed correctly, it can cause water leaks. For example, if the unit is not level or the drain line is not installed correctly, it can cause water to overflow the drip pan.
To fix improper installation, you need to call a professional to inspect your AC and make the necessary adjustments.
Broken drain pan
The interior unit of an air conditioner is often positioned in an attic, basement, or particular closet and has two drain pans to collect moisture from the air handler. One pan is fixed to the air handler underneath the evaporator coils, while the other may be removed when not in use.
Clogged Drain tube
An obstruction in the tube might carry condensation away from the evaporator coils and out of the housing. Locate this area using your vehicle’s handbook and clean it with a long, thin tool like a sewing needle.
Sometimes, the housing’s outside cover must be removed for access. If your air conditioner is installed in a high window, you must either open it at a reasonable distance or bring it inside.
Prevention Tips to Avoid AC Leaks
The best way to avoid AC leaks is to perform regular maintenance on your unit. Here are some tips to help you prevent AC leaks:
- Replace your air filter regularly
- Inspect your condensate drain line for clogs and clean it out if necessary
- Keep the area around your AC unit clean and free of debris
- Schedule regular maintenance with a professional technician
Conclusion
In conclusion, AC leaking water can be a frustrating problem, but it is usually easy to fix. By identifying the cause of the leak and taking the necessary steps to fix it, you can prevent water damage to your property and ensure that your AC is functioning properly. Don’t hesitate to call SmileHVAC if you need help fixing your AC unit.
FAQ
How can I tell if my air conditioner is leaking water?
If you notice water pooling around your air conditioner or dripping from the unit, you may have a water leak. You may also notice a musty or moldy odor, which can indicate that water is accumulating and not draining properly.
Can a dirty air filter cause an air conditioner to leak water?
Yes, a dirty air filter can cause an air conditioner to leak water. When the air filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow over the evaporator coils, causing them to freeze over. When the ice melts, it can overflow the drain pan and leak out of the unit.
Can I fix an air conditioner water leak myself?
Depending on the cause of the water leak, you may be able to fix it yourself. However, it's usually best to contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the issue, as they have the knowledge and tools to safely and effectively fix the problem.
