Is Your Air Conditioner Leaking Water?
June 30, 2021
While a leaking air-conditioner poses no immediate threat, finding and fixing the cause will get your appliance running efficiently again, and will prevent water damage in your home!
Most Common Reasons:
- Clogged drain line
- Low refrigerant levels
- Dirty air filter
There are a few reasons your air conditioner may be leaking water, but these are the most common. Fortunately, the causes are all relatively easy to fix.
Turn your appliance off before trying to examine the issue - for safety reasons, and to prevent more leaks.
The Cause: A Clogged Drain Line
This is one of the more common causes of water running back through and into your home. The drain line, responsible for water drainage to the outside, can become blocked with soot, sludge or dust, over time. This backs the system up, stops water from going outside, causing overflow.
The Fix for a Clogged Drain Line
You can sometimes unclog drain lines yourself with a wet/dry vac, but professionals have special equipment made just for unclogging these lines.
The Cause: Low Refrigerant Levels
Arguably the coldest part of the machine, the evaporator coil is responsible for much of how an AC unit operates. Refrigerant (also used in fridges) is a main cooling factor. If your AC runs out of it, your coil will melt.
You will know this is likely the issue because your AC is not operating efficiently, or you hear bubbling while it is on.
The Fix for Low Refrigerant Levels
This issue can be fixed if there is a leak that needs to be clogged back up. For a Freon refill, it is best to call a professional to handle this chemical.
The Cause: Dirty Air Filter
You should replace your air filter every few months. Not everybody follows this guideline, so sometimes a dirty air filter blocks the airflow from the coil - again, causing melting.
You can replace your air filter yourself, (make sure the make and model are correct) but having a professional come in can help identify any potential issues that you may encounter down the line.
The Cause: Broken or Rusted Drain Pan:
If your AC is a little bit older, your drain pan may have rusted through, allowing water to drip through it.
The Fix for a Broken or Rusted Drain Pan:
With an older machine, some prefer to replace the drain pan, while others prefer to update their AC entirely. Opting for a new AC system has its benefits, as modern machines cool spaces more efficiently, but for some, making that transition is a daunting step.
HVAC Help in South Jersey
No matter what the cause of your leaking issue, consulting with an expert in South Jersey is the absolute best way to get a permanent solution and to have the most efficient system. Contact the HVAC professionals at One Air Hour of Pleasantville to keep all floors of your home comfortable.