Why Is Water Leaking From My Ac?
The 3 most common reasons why water is leaking from the AC are:
- A blocked condensate drain line
- A dirty air filter
- Low refrigerant
To fix your leaking AC unclog your condensate drain line, change your air filter, or check your refrigerant level.
Water Is Leaking From Your Ac Because
Water naturally forms in your air conditioning unit due to evaporator coils. These coils are what cool the warm air your system draws from outside. As the hot air is cooled, condensation forms.
While your system naturally has a way to remove water, the essential parts can become damaged, leading to malfunction and, ultimately, leakage. Below are the most common causes of a leaky air conditioner along with some potential solutions.
Blocked Condensate Drain Line
The moisture that’s generated normally drains into a pan through a condensate drain line. Typically, water leaking is a sign that your drain line is clogged. You may also have a broken condensate pump, which is commonly found in homes that have HVAC units installed in the basement.
When a condensate drain line becomes filled with dirt, sludge or even mold, water cannot pass through and instead backs up into your home. Unclogging your condensate drain line can be done in several ways:
- Pour CDL cleaning solution down the pipe.
- Use a wet/dry vac.
- Insert a thin brush to push the clog out of the line.
Remember to always shut off your HVAC system completely before you attempt any inspections or home repairs.
A Dirty Air Filter
Surprisingly, a dirty air filter can also cause your AC to leak. Air filters need to be cleaned or replaced every 30 to 90 days. If not, too much dirt collecting on the filter can block the evaporator coil. When this freezes over and eventually melts, the excess water can run out of your AC and into your home.
If you go too long without replacing your air filter, the indoor air quality of your home will potentially drop dramatically. Allergen exposure can cause health problems, and your unit will be placed under greater strain as it tries to work against the dust and debris building up in the system.
Regular replacements are an affordable way to avoid repairs and extend the life of your air conditioner.
Low Refrigerant
Central air conditioner units use a substance called refrigerant to cool the air that comes into your home. It’s not uncommon for refrigerant to leak through cracks or gaps in the system’s lines.
Refrigerant is typically refilled when you schedule an AC tune-up. If you haven’t had your system checked in a while, you may be out of refrigerant and need more to prevent your evaporator coil from freezing.
You will know if you have low refrigerant if:
- Your AC isn’t cooling effectively.
- Your system hisses or produces a bubbling noise when it’s running.
- Higher electric bills (a refrigerant leak causes your system to work harder).
A technician will be able to tell you whether or not you need to have more refrigerant added to your system or if there’s a leak that needs to be patched. You may be able to check your AC refrigerant level yourself, but the best way to ensure you get to the source of the problem is to call in a professional.
Emergency Long Island Ac Repair
At Universe Home Services, we’ve provided Long Island with heating, plumbing, and electric services for over 65 years. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, emergency repair or learn more about our current HVAC specials.
Summer is when most of us rely on our HVAC systems the most, but it can be quite alarming when you notice a pool of water anywhere around the system. You may wonder whether this is something you need to call in a technician for, or if you can just leave it alone. After all, if your AC still works, do you need to pay for a repair?
Water leaking from an air conditioner is a sign that there’s something wrong with the HVAC system, so you’ll definitely want to turn off your unit ASAP to prevent further damage. We strongly suggest calling in a professional to take a look right away.