If your AC is leaking water, what do you do?
Water occurs in your air conditioner unit naturally. To create cold air, the AC unit sucks in hot and humid air and blows it over a cooled coil called the evaporator coil. As the air passes over the evaporator coil, the humidity builds condensation on the coil, and that creates water in the AC unit.
Typically, the water that builds on the coil is drained through a pipe and into a drain pan. The water is then drained away from the house through a condensate drain line, usually a PVC pipe. However, when there is an issue with the AC, water can leak out of it and into your home, potentially causing damage. Depending on where your AC unit is located, this could mean ceiling, floor, and even furniture damage.
Leaky Air Conditioners
There are a number of causes that can make the AC unit to leak inappropriately, but thankfully there are also solutions:
- Clogged drain: Debris could be clogging up the condensate drain line. Dirt, mold, dust or other accumulation could keep the water from getting through the pipe, forcing it back into your home. A professional can use a special vacuum to suck the blockage out.
- Dirty filter: If the air filter is dirty, then it will block the air from passing through the evaporator coil. Without the warm air, the coil can freeze. When it melts, the water drips. Air filters need to be checked every one to three months and replaced when they get dirty.
- Damaged pan: The drain pan can become rusted or damaged over time. If your air conditioner is over a decade old, this could be the case. If so, the water will just pass right through the pan. The drain pan will need to be replaced. In some cases, the pan is just not properly installed. A professional installation can fix this.
Regular air conditioner system maintenance, also known as a tune-up, is the best way to prevent common water leak problems with your equipment. A professional technician can check your equipment and identify any potential problems before they lead to leaky units. At the time of your tune-up, the technician will be able to clean and check all the parts that may cause a leak, and prevent any serious water damage to your home.
If your air conditioner is leaking water, or if you’ve noticed anything else out of the ordinary with your equipment, contact us today. Our NATE-certified technicians will make sure your home stays cool and dry this summer.