Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
When people see water coming from their AC, they usually have one of two reactions. They either don’t think anything of it, or they immediately wonder what’s wrong. Although a little water may be normal, there’s a good reason to worry about water coming from your AC. To make sure you don’t have any serious issues, you should call for HVAC service in Weatherford, TX.
When Is A Water Leak Normal?
In most homes, air conditioning systems have inside and outside units. The evaporator coils are inside the home and are responsible for cooling the air. When hot air flows over the coils, water droplets can form. It’s similar to the way in which water droplets form on a glass of ice water on a hot day.
Therefore, it’s normal for some water to come from an AC. Typically, the water droplets fall into a drain pan and drip down a condensate drain line. The flow of water is slow enough to drain from your pan fully. As a result, you don’t need to worry about water leaking inside your home.
So, if you notice a little water dripping into the drain pan, you don’t need to worry. The only time you should fret is when the water seems to be leaking or not draining from the drain pan. You should pay close attention to your AC and call for help when you see more water than usual leaking from your AC.
Reasons Your AC Might Be Leaking Water
If you have a true leak, there are a few possible causes. Water often leaks out from ACs because of the following issues:
- Clogged Drain Line: If you notice water leaking from the interior unit, there could be a clog in your drain line. Algae, dust, and dirt can block your drain and prevent water from flowing through it. Instead of draining outside, water from the evaporator coils remains in the drain pan.
If your drain pan doesn’t have a safety switch or the switch doesn’t work, water may leak into your home. This has long-term consequences, like mold growth and water damage. To remedy this issue, use a shop vac to suck out debris from the line. If this doesn’t work or your drain line is too long, you need professional assistance.
An expert on HVAC in Weatherford, TX has the right tools to remove even the most stubborn clogs from your drain line. Furthermore, they can assess whether or not there is an issue with the length of your drain line. In some cases, drain lines are too long or don’t drain properly. Either way, an expert can make sure your line is clear, and the water leak stops. - Dirty Filter: It’s common knowledge that HVAC filters need to be cleaned or replaced every few months. However, not all homeowners listen to this recommendation. As a result, filters remain dirty and block the flow of air.
When air can’t flow through your system, your evaporator coils become cold. The lack of heat and air transfer results in cold coils that freeze the condensation. So, how does this cause water to leak?
Almost as quickly as the water freezes, it melts. There may be enough water for you to notice the leak and call for help. Because it’s so easy to check for dirty filters, this is one of the first things you should do when you see frozen coils or a leak. If your filters are dirty, change them out and watch for water. As long as you don’t notice any more leaks, you can wait to call an HVAC technician until you notice other problems. - Low Refrigerant: A leak in your HVAC system results in low refrigerant. And without a substantial amount of refrigerant, your AC won’t cool properly. The problem causes the evaporator coil to freeze, and this eventually results in dripping water.
During an annual inspection, your HVAC technician should check for leaks. But a leak can happen at any time. If you hear a hissing from your refrigerant lines or your system doesn’t adequately cool your home, you should call a professional. There may be a leak in your refrigerant, and you need help as soon as possible. If you wait too long, your only option might be an HVAC replacement. - Rusted Drain Pan: As an AC gets older, it has more problems. One of those issues is a rusted or damaged drain pan. If there’s nothing to collect the water, it will drip on the floor. This typically happens to units that are between 12 and 15 years of age. Fortunately, the fix is as simple as replacing the drain pan.
- Broken Condensate Pump: This issue only applies to ACs installed in basements. To get the water outside, your system relies on a condensate pump. Gravity alone can’t remove the water, so a broken pump means water remains in the drain pan. The only solution is to replace the pump.
Get The Answers You Need
You could spend days wondering why your AC is leaking, but time is of the essence. Rather than try to troubleshoot on your own or put off a repair, you should consult with an HVAC technician. A reputable company will send out an experienced technician who knows how to properly diagnose your issue. More importantly, they know how to perform a repair.
By waiting to call for help, you put your home in danger. Water damage is likely to occur, and you could do irreparable damage to your AC. You can save yourself money and trouble by calling an expert as soon as you notice the water. In some cases, you can resist the need for a full replacement.
Get HVAC Service In Weatherford, TX
Do you suspect trouble with your AC? If you see water leaking or any other signs of an issue, call us at Daffan Cooling and Heating. We’ll respond quickly and send someone out to you to repair your AC. Call us now and find out how we can restore your HVAC system.
