AC Leaking Water: 6 Common Causes And What To Do About It

Have you noticed water dripping from your air conditioner? This can be a concerning discovery. Especially in the middle of summer, the last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is costly AC repairs, leaks, and water damage. First, you’ll want to understand what caused the AC leak in the first place and then take steps to fix the problem. There are 6 common causes of AC leaks and what to do about it.

1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line

An AC may leak water if the condensate drain line is clogged or blocked. When dust, dirt, mold, or other debris gets stuck in the drain line, it causes water to back up and leak.

2. Broken Condensate Pump

A condensate pump can break for a number of reasons. First, it could be due to improper repair or improper installation. Second, it could just get loose over time. Whatever the cause may be, a broken condensate pump can cause a water leak.

3. Low On Refrigerant

If you’re noticing a leaky AC, then you may have bigger problems on your hand – like a refrigerant leak! Your refrigerant levels should never change, so being low on refrigerant usually means you have a leak along the line or in the compressor.

4. Rusted or Damaged Drain Pan

Because your drain pan is exposed to water on a daily basis, it’s not uncommon for it to rust over time. If your AC is older than 10-12 years especially, your drain pan may just be damaged from normal wear and time due to years of use. Usually, water is supposed to flow into the drain line and then outside. However, if your drain pan has holes in it, it can cause the condensate to leak through it instead.

5. Dirty Air Filter

When an AC filter gets dirty and clogged, it can obstruct air flow, causing your AC to work harder to cool your home. That’s why it’s recommended you change your filter every 1-3 months. However, a dirty air filter can also cause your unit to freeze. Ice can form around the unit when the evaporator coils get too cold. Once that ice melts, water drips and voila – you have a leak. To avoid freezing, remember to regularly change your air filter.

6. Outdoor Temperature Is Too Cold

An AC is designed to cool your space when the weather is warm outside. However, if you run your AC unit when the temperatures are cold, it can cause the evaporator coils to freeze. Once they’ve had the chance to thaw out, the ice will melt and water will drop off the evaporator coils. This can result in overflow because ice is blocking your drain pan. Make sure to run your AC unit only when it is warm outside to avoid this.

My AC Is Leaking – What Should I Do About It?

Now that you have a better understanding of what causes AC leaks in the first place, you can take the right steps to fix the situation. If you notice your air conditioner leaking, first turn off the AC unit. Then, call a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem for you, so you can get back up and running in no time.

Contact Freedom Air and Plumbing For All Your AC Needs in Cocoa, FL and Surrounding Areas!