In the heat of the summer, seeing your AC unit dripping water is one of the last things you want to have to deal with. The good news is, there are a number of possible causes for an AC to leak, and many of them are not difficult or expensive to fix. It is important, however, to take action quickly because leaking water can cause extensive and expensive damage to your walls, ceilings and floors. It can also cause bigger problems for your compressor.
Common Issues that Cause Your Air Conditioner to Leak
Frozen Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils are part of your indoor air handling unit that looks like a coiled tube with fins. If there is a refrigerant leak, or blocked airflow, they can freeze which leads to moisture buildup and ultimately causes the drain pan to overflow and leak water. In this case, it is important to contact an HVAC technician who will identify the cause of the leak and repair it.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
This is one of the most common causes for a leaky AC unit. Moisture is collected during the dehumidification process and contains dirt and debris. If the condensate drain line is not cleaned, this can accumulate and cause a blockage. Water will eventually start collecting in the unit and spill out of the drain pan into your home. You can avoid having to shut down your A/C, empty and clean the drain pan, and clean out the drain line, if you have your air conditioner maintained every spring.
Damaged Drain Pan
The drain pan is located underneath your A/C’s evaporator coils or in the air handler to catch condensation as it drips. The water then flows in the drain line and then outside. If the drain pan is damaged, the water will leak rather than travel into the drain line. Drain pans can rust and corrode overtime so it is important to monitor. It is also important that the drain pan is the correct size for your A/C to work properly.
Condensation Build-up
Condensation is a normal part of your A/C’s dehumidifying process. If the ductwork is not properly insulated, the ducts or air filters get clogged or dirty, or if the humidity is especially high, condensation can buildup and result in leaking water from your air conditioner. Ensuring your ductwork is properly insulated can help avoid this issue. Scheduling regular A/C maintenance can help prevent issues caused by dirt and debris in your system.
Clogged Air Filters
Dirty air filters can cause many issues. Filters ensure proper air circulation and trap pollutants, allergens and particles. These can accumulate overtime causing blockages which is detrimental to your indoor air quality and the unit. Check out our recent blog post to learn about the different types of A/C filters.
If your air conditioner is leaking and the problem is not easily solved, we can send a technician to evaluate and fix the issue.
If your question isn’t answered here, contact the Pierce Refrigeration team, and one of our experts will guide you in finding your solution.
Need 24-7 emergency service? Looking for advice on improving your everyday air quality and comfort at home and work? Contact the friendly staff at Pierce Refrigeration at 800-696-1088 or info@piercerefrig.com.