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Regular maintenance of your air conditioner is crucial to prevent potential leaks, which can quickly become a nightmare and costly problem. Many issues can cause a puddle of water under your home’s AC unit, but it’s a sign that something is wrong with the unit. If left unaddressed, the water pooling may lead to water damage or other complications. Here are the most frequent reasons why the AC in your home leaks water.
1. Clogged Drain Line
A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common reasons a home AC leaks. The condensate drain line is integral to the AC system because it sends the moisture collected to a drain. Over time, mold, dust, and dirt may start to block the drain line. When the drain line clogs, the water has nowhere to go, causing it to back up and leak. When this happens, you may notice water around the unit, which can cause many problems. Depending on its location, the water from the unit can cause damage to your floors, walls, and even ceiling. The contaminated water is a breeding ground for molds.
2. Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan
If you have an older AC unit, it leaks water due to a damaged or rusted drain pan. A drain pan is supposed to catch and hold the water or condensation from the evaporator coils. Sometimes, these drain pans rust because of water exposure and the elements. If the drain pan for your home’s AC unit is plastic, it can also crack and become damaged as it ages.
3. Improper Installation
Another significant issue related to water leaking from air conditioning systems is improper installation. If the AC unit’s condensate drain line is incorrectly installed, several problems may affect its functionality and efficiency. The leaking may be caused by improper alignment or a loose connection.
4. Dirty Air Filter
If you notice water around your AC unit, the solution may be as simple as changing the air filter. A dirty air filter may cause your AC unit to leak because it blocks the air from your AC’s evaporator coil and freezes it. When that ice starts to melt, the drain pan may overflow because it fills up with water too fast.
5. Low Refrigerant Level
Low refrigerant levels in your home’s AC unit may cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Eventually, the coil melts and drips into the drain pan, overflowing. This problem is similar to having a dirty air filter. If it is the refrigerant levels, you may also hear a bubbling or hissing noise from your AC unit.
6. Improper Sizing of AC Unit
When it comes to the correct size of air conditioner for your home, an AC that is too small will not work properly, but you will also see issues with an AC unit that is too large. If the unit cools too fast, it won’t run long enough to kick on the dehumidifier and remove the moisture in the air. Excess condensation can lead to the pooling of water around the unit.
7. Blocked Air Vents
A blocked air vent on your home’s air conditioning unit can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, which may lead to leaking as the evaporator coil melts. Ensuring that there are no blockages in your home’s air vents means going from room to room and inspecting them, cleaning them out if needed, and removing anything covering them, like furnishings or other objects.
8. Damaged Condensate Line Triggers AC Safety Switch
An air conditioner might turn off suddenly because of a safety feature that prevents it from causing water damage. This feature activates when the part that removes water from the air conditioner becomes blocked or broken, causing water to overflow. By turning off the air conditioner, this feature stops more water from leaking out and damaging the system and the area around it.
What Can Be Done to Prevent AC Leaks?
Watch for water stains near the unit, unusual dripping sounds, or decreased cooling efficiency. Most importantly, get annual maintenance. A professional HVAC technician can find any signs of leaks and go beyond by performing preventative maintenance such as lubricating moving parts, cleaning indoor and outdoor HVAC units, thermostat recalibration, and inspecting for loose seals and wires.
At Custom Air Inc. in Browns Summit, NC, we are experts in AC repairs, replacements, and ductless mini-split AC services for homes in the area. Our friendly team also includes heating pumps, installation, and repair services. Contact Custom Air Inc. for more information today!
