You turn on the air conditioning and you hear it running, but then you notice something else—you see the AC leaking water. What’s going on? The presence of water can be a sign of a serious issue, so understanding what can cause an AC to leak is important. In the latest blog post from Schebler Heating and Air, we’ll discuss the causes of an AC leaking water, when this is cause for alarm, and what a homeowner can do to resolve the issue.
What Causes an AC Unit to Leak?
Did you know that an air conditioner removes some moisture from the air as a part of the cooling process? Condensation forms when warm air passes over cold evaporator coils and moisture forms in droplets that drip down into a drain pan. Typically, the condensate drain system will remove the extra moisture that has built up inside your unit. However, if you see the AC leaking water onto the floor nearby, this isn’t part of the normal process.
Cause 1: Condensate Drain Issues
The most common cause of an AC leaking water is a damaged drip pan or condensate pump, or a clogged condensate drain line. left untreated, this condensation can lead to mold growth, damage to drywall and insulation, and other problems with your home’s indoor air quality – so this is something you want to address as soon as possible. A damaged drip pan or condensate pump will need to be replaced by a professional, but clogs can often be cleared by homeowners.
First, turn off power to your air conditioner before attempting to clear the clog. Next, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck debris out of the line. Or use a forced-air blower on the low setting to blow air through the condensate drain until all debris has been cleared away. To clean the drip pan of debris causing clogs, remove the drip pan from its housing tray carefully so as not to spill any standing water. Once removed, pour out any excess water and give it a thorough cleaning inside and out before replacing it back in its tray.
Cause 2: Refrigerant Leak
Another cause of an AC leaking water is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is necessary for cooling your home and it should never run out or “leak out” from your system, which may look like water coming from the unit. Additionally, low refrigerant levels due to a leak can cause the unit’s evaporator coils to freeze – as they thaw, the drip pan may overflow with water.
If you notice that the cool air coming from your vents isn’t lasting long enough or if you suspect that there might be a refrigerant leak in your system, contact Schebler Heating and Air in the Quad Cities area right away as refrigerant leaks require professional repair services.
Cause 3: Dirty Filter
Many homeowners are surprised to find out that their air conditioners can start leaking water due to a dirty filter. This is because with a clogged filter, the airflow is limited through the system and this can potentially cause the evaporator coils inside to freeze. The coils melting afterward may cause an overflow in the drip pan, leading to the unfortunate consequence of your AC leaking water.
Fortunately, this issue can be easily fixed – all you have to do is empty any excess water from the drip pan and change out the filter for a clean one. Typically this will fix the problem – if it doesn’t, it’s time to call for air conditioning repair.
AC Repair Services in the Quad Cities
Understanding the reasons behind an AC leaking water—and knowing what steps to take when you find out—is essential for keeping your home comfortable during the hot summer months and protecting your cooling system. If you have an AC leaking water, call Schebler Heating and Air for air conditioning repair! We will dispatch a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and repair any issues found, improving the performance of your cooling system!