As a property owner, the last thing you would want to see is water dripping from your AC unit. Although a hot and humid climate can lead to normal water leakage from your AC, water puddling under your unit should warrant a service call.
Water leaking from your air conditioner can start as a mild inconvenience that can quickly destroy floors, ceilings, and walls. It might also affect your AC’s performance and efficiency, leading to costly repairs. The water puddle promotes mold growth lowering the indoor air quality. Below are reasons why your AC is leaking too much water.
1. Dirty Air Filter
Air filters in your AC ensure clean air enters your house by trapping air pollutants. With time, these particles combine with dust and clog the air filters. Dirty air filters block air from getting to the evaporator coil, making it become cold and eventually begins to freeze. The frozen coil starts to thaw, and the excess water overflows from the drain pan. That’s why homeowners are advised to change the air filters every 30 days. If you change the air filters and the water leak persists, you’ll need to call an HVAC technician for further diagnosis and repairs.
2. Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan
If you have an air conditioner that is 12 to 15 years, it may have a rusted or damaged drain pan leading to water leakage. The drain pan, positioned in the air handler and underneath the evaporator coils, catches condensation then the water flows to the drain line. If the drain pan is cracked or has lots of holes due to the rust, water will fall through instead of getting to the drain line. A technician should replace the drain pan to get the AC back in good working condition.
3. Clogged Drain Line
During the dehumidification process, moisture collected by the air conditioner carries debris and dust into the drain line. Eventually, the drain line clogs, leading to water accumulation that causes water leakage from the unit. Properly cleaning the condensate drain line in your system helps remove debris and prevent mold growth which solves this problem. If you recently purchased a modern unit, the float switch will shut down the AC once the system detects a clogged drain line to protect your property from water damage.
4. Disconnected Drain Line
If your AC unit has a loose or disconnected drain line, it results in water leakage. This mostly happens when you hire a less-than-capable technician to install or repair your air conditioner. A disconnected drain leads to a leak on the ceiling or a pool of water on the floor. Call an HVAC technician to reconnect the drain line immediately to prevent more water leakages.
5. Failed Condensate Pump
If your air conditioner is placed in a townhome attic or the basement, you need a condensate pump to remove water from the unit. Once the condensate reaches a certain level in the reservoir, the float switch is turned on, which triggers the pump to drain water. If the condensate pump fails, it won’t pump water outside your home. This leads to water leakage from your AC system. A technician can replace or repair the condensate pump depending on the damage.
6. Too Cold Temperatures in the Outdoors
If the outdoor temperatures are too low at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the evaporator coils can freeze. Once the ice and water drop from the coils, the drain pan opening may be blocked, resulting in an overflow. If the water leak persists, call an experienced technician to solve the problem.
7. Low Refrigerant Level
If your AC has little refrigerant, the pressure in your unit also lowers and can result in water leaks. This mostly happens when the system fails to cool your home as it should. Note that the AC unit depends on the refrigerant to cool the air in your home. Without enough refrigerant, the evaporator oils won’t convert the liquid from the unit into vapor. Instead, the coils will freeze over, and once they heat up, there will be a leak in your AC. Make sure you have a technician inspect your system regularly to prevent such issues.
Let the AC Experts Fix Your Leaking Unit
If your air conditioner is leaking water, a reputable and experienced HVAC technician can fix the issue. Whatever the reason for the water leakage, don’t try fixing the AC yourself. This might lead to more damage and more expensive repairs. A knowledgeable technician will get your system back up and running in the shortest time possible to ensure you and your family are comfortable. For professional and dependable HVAC services, reach out to Home Comfort Services. We offer AC tune-up, heating repair, and plumbing services in Grand Junction, CO, and the neighboring regions. Book an appointment with our professionals today.
