Do You Suspect Your Air Conditioner is Leaking Water?

It is a known fact that the Palm Beach community relies heavily on air conditioning with the Florida heat and humidity. When air conditioners leak, however, it can cause a laundry list of problems. Air conditioners leak water for various reasons, from a clogged air filter to a lack of refrigerant.

Generally, an air conditioner leaking water shouldn’t be a major cause for concern. In fact, air conditioners may leak water during normal operation because of condensation.

However, when the air conditioner leaks an unusual amount of water or enough to cause water damage, it’s best not to wait to seek professional water removal services. In this post, the experts from DRYOUTpro PLUS discuss potential reasons an air conditioner may leak and when to call for expert water removal services.

Why Water Forms in an Air Conditioner 

Most modern air conditioners contain an indoor and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit contains an evaporator coil that cools warm air blowing over it, a cooling process that leads to condensation. The resulting drips of water end up in a drain pan, then a condensate drain line, which ultimately leads out of the home and drains the water outside. 

When excess moisture accumulates in the air conditioner, these drainage systems may struggle to remove the extra water. That’s typically when homeowners discover their air conditioners leaking inside their homes. And it’s a good reason to call for professional help.

Reasons Air Conditioners Leak Water 

Unfortunately, air conditioners leak water from time to time due to their normal operation. But if there is excess water evident, experts recommend turning off the unit immediately. Using a leaking air conditioner may exacerbate the issue and lead to a system breakdown.

Here’s why an air conditioner may leak water:

A Clogged Drain Line 

If an air conditioning unit leaks indoors, a clogged condensate drain line is the most likely culprit. Understandably, the moisture collected from the air conditioner as it cools and dehumidifies the air contains some dirt and debris. And if the owner fails to clean the condensate drain, the contaminants could cause a blockage.

Eventually, the water will back up into the system, and with nowhere else to go, it will leak into the room. A wet/dry vacuum may work to free up a clogged drainage line. However, it’s always best to seek professional help. 

Only an experienced HVAC professional like DRYOUTpro PLUS will have the specialized training and equipment to offer expert water removal and damage restoration services.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filter 

Most people already know that a dirty air filter strains an air conditioner to work harder than it should. That dirty filter can also block the flow of air over the unit’s evaporator coil. And with insufficient airflow, the coil may freeze.

Consequently, when the evaporator coils thaw, the excess water may form a water puddle inside the house. To avoid this, keep up with regular maintenance, and don’t forget to change the air filter regularly to keep the system in check.

Low Refrigerant Levels

An air conditioning unit with a lack of Freon will have low pressure inside the system, which can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze. When the ice melts, water will drip from the unit. 

Is the air conditioner struggling to maintain set temperatures or making a bubbling or hissing sound? Check the refrigerant levels. Catching a refrigerant leak early enough might remedy any damage the unit may have incurred.

Unfortunately, refrigerant leaks need professional intervention, so property owners should schedule regular HVAC inspections to prevent refrigerant leak issues. A thorough system inspection at the start of every summer will go a long way toward keeping it in top shape. 

Additional Reasons for AC Leaks

Air conditioners may leak for other reasons, including the following:

Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan 

Older air conditioners over 12 years may need a new drain pan. Replacing an old, rusty drain pan can solve the leaking issue.

Broken Condensate Pump 

A faulty condensate pump may fail in its primary duty of transporting any excess water outside. Scheduling drain pump repair or replacement may help to prevent water damage.

Incorrect AC installation 

An improper AC installation, such as units and drainpipes that don’t match, may disrupt the flow out of the system and result in a water leak. Always hire an experienced and licensed professional for air conditioner installation and repairs to avoid paying for subpar services.

Contact DRYOUTpro PLUS for Additional Information About Water Removal 

With over two decades of experience in providing emergency water cleanup services, DRYOUTpro PLUS provides thorough and efficient water removal services. Fill their online form or Call (772) 288-4222 to request 24/7 emergency water damage restoration in St. Lucie, Palm Beach, and Martin Counties, Florida, for ultimate peace of mind.