Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak Water?
Is Your Air Conditioner Leaking Water?
As the temperatures rise and summer fun begins, many homeowners face the issue of air conditioning leaking water. It’s common to wonder, “Why is my air conditioner leaking water?” Understanding the reasons behind this problem can help you address it effectively. If you notice water leaking from your A/C, the first step is to turn off the unit to prevent further damage. Let’s delve into the causes of why your air conditioner is leaking water and what you can do about it.
Evaporator Coils
Air conditioning units contain an evaporator coil. This cools down the hot air from your unit. In turn, this makes condensation form on the coil. The moisture that forms falls into a drain pan. From there, it goes down a condensate line.
The Drain Pan Has Damage or Rust
Some homeowners have air conditioners that are old. If this is the case, your drain pan may not be working right. If the drain pan has damage or rust, the water will run straight through it. You can repair this by replacing the drain pan.
There is a Broken Condensate Pump
Is your HVAC unit installed in your basement? If so, then there’s a condensate pump that directs the water outside of the house. If this pump breaks, the water can’t make its way outside. Instead, it’ll either leak or back up. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace or repair the pump.
The Condensation Line Has a Clog
Having a clogged condensate line is the most common cause of HVAC leaking water. Over time, the condensation line can become clogged from dust, mold, sludge and dirt. Once this happens, the water that goes through it can back up into your house. To avoid a huge repair bill, you’ll have to unclog the pipe. There are many methods you can use to unclog the condensation line, such as using a wet/dry vacuum.
The best way to unclog your condensate line is to get in touch with an HVAC professional.
Dirty Air Filters
The air filter inside your unit works hard. Over time, it can become clogged with dirt, dust and other contaminants. Once that happens, the airflow that goes over the evaporator coil can become blocked. In turn, the coil itself will end up becoming too cold and freeze over. After melting, it will start dripping too much water and the drain pan will overflow. To prevent this, it’s important to change your air filter on a regular basis. In fact, it’s recommended by many HVAC professionals that you change it at least every three months.
If your air conditioner is leaking water or not working as well as it should, we’ve got you covered. Contact us at Cahill Heating, Cooling, Electric, Plumbing & Sewer, Air Conditioning and Electric to schedule an appointment! Call now at (847) 367-4492.
