Why Is My AC Unit Leaking Water?

Air conditioners exist to make indoor living more comfortable and to eliminate the stresses and discomfort that accompany warm weather. Unfortunately, if your AC system is leaking water, its ability to create cool, refreshing air in your home will be hampered. Leaks can also lead to expensive repairs — not only for your AC system but for the surrounding structures as well. But what’s causing your AC to leak, and what can you do about it?

7 Reasons Your AC Unit is Leaking Water

1. Dirty AC Filter

Dirty air filters are a common cause of leaks occurring in air conditioners. A dirty filter can block the airflow in the evaporator coil, resulting in temperatures dropping and the coil becoming covered in ice. When the frozen evaporator coil melts, water can accumulate in the drain pan and spill onto your floors. As a general rule, replace it every 30 to 90 days, depending on how many people live in your household and whether you have any pets and/or allergy sufferers living with you.

2. Clogged Drain Line

Water arrives safely into your air conditioner’s drain pan through a network of pipes. If your AC drain line is clogged or corroded by dirt, pests, mold, or other obstructions, the water running through the system has nowhere to go but back into the home. If you find water quickly pooling outside of your air conditioning unit, call an HVAC professional immediately. Scheduling routine preventive maintenance is a wise idea, as professionals will regularly clean your evaporator coil and condensate drain pipe and check for other issues that could lead to a potential breakdown.

3. Faulty AC Installation

An improperly installed air conditioner can easily result in leaks. Hiring a trusted and experienced HVAC technician for your home’s new HVAC installation is crucial to ensuring the effective operation of your unit and the comfort of you and your family.

4. Window AC Unit Leaking Water

If your window AC unit is leaking water, check to make sure there are no unwanted gaps between the frame and the window itself. Sometimes, outside weather may actually enter through gaps in your foundation’s structure.

5. Broken Condensate Pump

When gravity itself can’t handle the drainage needs of your AC system (such as a basement unit or one that is far away from the drainage system), a condensate pump is used. If the pump becomes broken, it will be unable to remove excess water from the drip pan, leading to water buildup and leaks.

6. Damaged Drain Pan

Your indoor air handler unit has a condensate drain pan that is responsible for collecting excess water before it’s carried outside by the drain lines. If the pan is old or has become damaged, water can leak out of the system. Depending on your AC setup, this can be a DIY fix. However, it’s best to consult with an HVAC professional first or to have them come out to do the repair/replacement for you.

7. Frozen Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils are responsible for removing warm, moist air particles and conditioning them with refrigeration to cool the air. However, these coils can freeze when the system is forced to overwork due to a clog or malfunction in one or more of its parts. Frozen coils can lead to excessive condensation, and as they melt, they will often cause the drain pan to overflow. You can troubleshoot this problem yourself by following these steps or calling a professional for assistance. A professional will also be able to diagnose and repair other problems that may be present in your system.

Call Complete Air Mechanical Today for HVAC Repairs in the Orlando Area

At Complete Air Mechanical, we make your heating and cooling comfort our top priority. Since 1992, our team of highly trained and friendly technicians have proudly served Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia County residents. From leaking units and clogged condensate lines, to burning smells coming from your AC system and room temperature inconsistencies, Complete Air Mechanical is here to solve any and all of your HVAC needs.

Call us today at (407) 915-0144 or schedule an appointment online.