An air conditioner helps to keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. However, an air conditioner can also be a source of water leaks. If you notice water pooling around your AC, it’s important to take action immediately. Leaking water is a sign that your air conditioner is not operating properly, and it can also cause extensive damage to your home. Read on to learn some of the reasons why your air conditioner could be leaking water.
1. Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil’s job is to remove heat from the air in your home. This coil is filled with a refrigerant that evaporates at a low temperature, and as the air in your home is passed over it, the refrigerant absorbs the heat. This process continues until the coil reaches a certain temperature, at which point the refrigerant begins to condense back into a liquid form. As the refrigerant condenses, it releases the heat it has absorbed, and this heat is dispelled outdoors.
However, if the evaporator coils get too cold, the AC can freeze over. This can happen for a number of reasons, including a low refrigerant level, a dirty coil, or airflow problems. When the coil ices up, it can no longer effectively remove heat from the air, and as a result, your air conditioner will have to work harder in the attempt to cool your home. In some cases, this can cause your AC unit to leak water. If you notice water leaking from your AC unit, it’s important to call a professional right away. A trained technician will be able to identify the cause of the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.
2. Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The function of a condensate drain line is to remove water that has condensed on the evaporator coil and transfer it outside. The water drips into a pan where it is then drained through the line. However, over time the drain line can become clogged with algae, mold, or mildew. When this happens, the water has nowhere to go and will begin to pool in the pan until it eventually leaks out onto the floor. A clogged condensate drain line is not only a nuisance, but it can also cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked. A professional HVAC technician will be able to quickly clear the blockage and restore your air conditioner to its proper functioning.
3. Clogged Air Filters
The work of an air filter is to clean the air that comes through the AC unit. Over time, these filters can become full of dirt, dust, and other particles. When this happens, they are no longer able to effectively clean the air, and this can lead to a number of problems. One of the most common problems associated with clogged air filters is water leaks. When the filters are full, they can make the AC unit work harder than it ought to. This can cause condensation to form on the coil, and that can eventually lead to water leaks. A professional HVAC technician can clean or replace your air filter, restoring your system to peak efficiency.
4. Rusted Drip Pan
The drip pan is located beneath the unit and is responsible for collecting any condensation that forms on the coil. Eventually, the pan can become corroded, causing it to develop leaks. In some cases, the rust can even cause holes to form, allowing water to escape. If you notice that your air conditioner is leaking water, it’s important to have a professional inspect the unit. They will be able to determine if the drip pan is the source of the leak and take steps to fix the problem.
In many cases, simply replacing the pan will solve the issue. However, if the rust has caused significant damage, more extensive repairs may be necessary. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to address a leaking air conditioner as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your unit.
5. Faulty Condensate Pump
The condensate pump is responsible for removing water from your air conditioning unit. This pump is usually located near the air handler. If the condensate pump is not working properly, it can cause your air conditioner to leak water. There are several reasons why a condensate pump may become faulty. The most common reason is a clogged drain line. If the drain line becomes clogged, the water will back up into the pump and cause it to fail.
A failing condensate pump might also be caused by a bad float switch. A float switch is used to turn the pump on and off. If the float switch fails, the pump will stay on and will eventually burn out. A professional can quickly diagnose and repair a faulty condensate pump.
6. Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is what helps your air conditioner to cool your home. It is a chemical that flows through your AC unit and evaporates as it pulls the heat out of your residence. The cooled refrigerant then condenses back into a liquid and starts the process over again. A refrigerant leak can eventually put the entire system out of commission and cause your AC unit to leak water.
There are several reasons why your AC unit may have a refrigerant leak. One reason is that the seals in your AC are old and worn-out. Another reason could be that there is a hole in your AC unit’s coil. A professional can fix a refrigerant leak by adding more refrigerant to your AC unit after locating the cause of the leak and repairing the seals or coil. If you have an AC unit that is leaking water, it is important to have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
7. Improper Installation
When an air conditioner is first installed, the unit must be level. If it isn’t, the drainage holes will become misaligned and water will leak out. Additionally, the area around the unit must be clear of debris so that water can drain properly. A professional HVAC technician will take these factors into account when installing your air conditioner to ensure that it doesn’t leak.
8. Dirty Evaporator Coil
When the coil becomes dirty, it can’t absorb heat as effectively, and the moisture in the air condenses on the coil. This condensation drips into a pan below the coil and eventually overflows, causing water to leak from your air conditioner. Fortunately, this problem is relatively easy to fix. A professional HVAC technician can clean your evaporator coil and get your air conditioner back up and running properly. In some cases, you may also need to replace the pan or drainage tube if they are damaged.
Depend on Your Local Professional Resource
If you notice any sort of a leak coming from your AC, simply reach out to our experts at Titan Air Solutions. Our team performs conscientious work and is dedicated to complete customer satisfaction. In fact, you can rely on our technicians for any cooling, heating, or indoor air quality installation, maintenance, or repair you need in or near Fort Worth. We’re here to help you stay comfortable all year round. Call us today and learn more about our services.
