A leaky air conditioner is always a big concern, especially during the summer months. This situation is not only a concern because of the unknown issue but also because of the costs incurred for the repairs. When water pools under your home’s AC, this is a sign that there is a problem with the unit. It is essential to get the problem addressed right away, then there is a big potential for further damage.
1. An Installation Error
Whether you move into a brand-new home or you have a unit replaced, installation errors are a possibility. An air conditioner leaking water may be because of an installation error. The error may cause issues like a loose connection or misalignment. Your condensate drain may also be where the error is if there was a mistake in installation. You may also have issues with leaking if the air conditioning unit wasn’t level when installed. Incorrect sealing is also a cause of leaking for an AC unit.
2. Clogged Condensate Drain
One of the main causes of AC leaks is a clogged condensate drain line. This line is a vital part of your air conditioning system because it leads the water that collects away from your AC. Over time, dirt, mold, debris, and other substances build up and start to block the drain line. When there is a clog, the water in the line cannot drain well, so it starts to leak. You may see that there is water pooling around your AC unit at this time, which may result in various other issues. The water may easily damage your walls, flooring, ceilings, and furnishings. Standing water also poses a health risk to your household because of the potential for mold growth.
A clogged condensate drain line also means that the efficiency of your air conditioning system isn’t going to be optimal. If there is an obstruction in the line, the system must use more effort to keep your home cool, which leads to higher utility bills because of increased energy usage. There is also the potential for added or accelerated strain on the system, which leads to a reduced lifespan of the HVAC system. Regular maintenance from our team at American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical will help prevent a clogged condensate line and keep your AC running well.
3. Damaged Condensate Drain Pan
A common cause of water leakage in an older air conditioning unit is a rusted or damaged drain pan. The pan’s primary function is to catch and hold condensation that drips from the evaporator coils. Over time, the condensate drain pan may crack as it ages, which is due to continuous exposure to moisture as well as environmental factors. If the drain pan is metal, this often means that the pan rusts, while a plastic pan cracks. Either scenario means that the drain pan won’t hold water well and leaking is the result.
4. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Another reason why you may see leaking from your AC is that the evaporator coils are frozen. The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing the heat from inside your home as it passes over the coils, which quickly cools the air. Then a blower fan sends the cooler air into your home. One of the most common reasons for frozen evaporator coils is a lack of airflow, which may be because of damaged ductwork, a dirty air filter, or a malfunctioning blower fan. Dirty evaporator coils may also obstruct the heat exchange process, causing the condensation to become too cold and freeze.
5. Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter may lead to several issues within your home’s AC unit, one of which is water leakage. The air filter’s main function is to trap dust, dirt, and other airborne particles, which ensures that clean air enters the system. When the air filter becomes clogged, it restricts airflow and causes problems that may result in water leaking from the AC.
6. Broken Condensate Pump
If there is a problem with the condensate pump for your home’s AC, it can be because the condensate pump isn’t performing well or at all. The result of this pump not working may be that the water overflows in the drain pan. You may hear unusual noises if the condensate pump isn’t working in addition to water pooling.
7. Low Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels may be the cause of your AC leaking. A low level of refrigerant is also one of the causes of a frozen evaporator coil, which causes the AC to leak once it starts to thaw. If you think that your AC is low on refrigerant, you may notice that the cooling isn’t the same in your home or there is increased humidity. You may also notice this issue if you hear a sound that is like hissing or bubbling coming from your home’s AC unit.
8. Wrong Size AC
Choosing the right size for an AC unity is important so it performs efficiently. An AC unit that is too small will struggle to cool your home effectively, while a unit that is too large can also lead to issues with leaking. A unit that is too small is likely to work too hard, resulting in the inability to remove excess condensation. If the AC unit is too large, it cools the air too quickly and may cycle off before it adequately removes humidity from the air. Because there is insufficient dehumidification, that means there is a high potential for excess condensation, resulting in water pooling around the AC unit.
9. Obstructed Air Vents
Obstructed air vents lead to a leaky AC unit because they restrict the airflow over the evaporator coil. The restricted airflow may prevent the coil from absorbing enough heat from the indoor air, resulting in the evaporator coil being overly cold, which causes the moisture to freeze. When the AC turns off, the coil thaws and the water will flood the drain pan and leak. Checking your home’s air vents before you start the summer season with your AC helps prevent this from happening. Make sure they are all open, clean, and there isn’t any furniture or other items on the vents.
10. Poor Humidity Control
Poor humidity control is a common cause of your home’s AC leaking because of the excess moisture that accumulates. High humidity levels mean that there is more moisture in the air. Also, condensation may be an issue because the evaporator coil isn’t able to remove moisture well, leading to a buildup of condensation, which may overflow the drip pan. To solve this problem, you may need a dehumidifier for your home. Our team at American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical can help you decide on the dehumidifier that is right for your home. That way you won’t have to worry about your AC having issues with too much condensation.
At American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical in Sanford, FL, we provide AC repair, installation, and maintenance services for homes in the area. Our friendly team also provides indoor air quality, ductwork, and heating repairs. Contact American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical for more information today!
