Air conditioners are essential in every home. They offer more than just keeping you cool and comfortable, but they can also provide us with a better quality of life in our homes as they reduce humidity, keep your home safe from outdoor elements and pests, and ensure better indoor air quality.
Leaking Air Conditioner
However, to get the most out of this cool machine, you have to make sure it is always in optimal condition for it to work for you in the best way possible. One such red flag that your unit is not working properly is your air conditioner leaking water. Air conditioners that leak water typically have an underlying issue, which makes them a problem in more ways than one. Aside from making a big mess in your house, it can also cause damage to your property. Another problem to think about when it comes to AC leaks is the possibility that it could start a mold infestation.
A leaking air conditioner situation does not necessarily mean a huge problem. Most of the time, the leaking is just caused by some sort of blockage to the water dripping routes, which would only require either a simple cleaning or a filter replacement.
As opposed to that, an air conditioner leaking water might also be a sign of something more problematic. So if you see water dripping out of your AC unit from then inside, you should turn off your air conditioner immediately and call a professional just to be sure.
Your AC can malfunction as a result of water buildup if not shut off. An indoor air conditioner leaking is not a cause for alarm but you should attend to it right away. The majority of AC leaks are easily fixed by an HVAC specialist and very costly repairs might not even be necessary.
Why Does an Air Conditioner Gather Water?
In addition to controlling the temperature, your HVAC system has an impact on the humidity levels in your house. Your HVAC system draws warm air from your house and blows it over cool evaporator coils, where it condenses and reduces humidity. The consequent condensation drops into a pan with a drain pipe that connects to a condensate drain. This pipe drains the water outdoors and exits your house.
What Causes Air Conditioner to Leak?
The issue arises when your air conditioner has a hard time removing the surplus water and excessive moisture buildup. As earlier mentioned, it might just be some sort of blockage and a quick cleanup would suffice.
Some of the issues may be quickly fixed at home, but if you’ve tried these solutions and failed, it’s advisable to hire an expert. Here are the top five reasons why your interior AC leaks water and suggested fixes:
1. Blockage in the Condensate Drain
This is one of the most frequent causes of an AC leak. During the de-humidification process, your device collects moisture, which includes dirt and debris.
If the condensate drain line is not properly cleaned, this will result in a blockage over time. Water will begin to collect in your unit, eventually accumulating to the point where it overflows the drain pan and just drip inside your home.
Quick Fix:
Turn off your appliance and locate the drain pan to check for any standing water. To stop the growth of mold, empty and thoroughly clean the drain pan.
Find the drain line and assess its clogging. The pipe should then be carefully scrubbed with a long wire brush to get rid of any buildup. Depending on how badly blocked it is, a specialized pump or vacuum might be needed. Once clean, pour some water into it to make sure the water comes out on the other end smoothly.
Focusing on routine HVAC repair should be at the top of your priority list as a preventative strategy. Pour bleach down the drain pipe every six months as part of your maintenance program to clean the drain line.
2. Damaged or Rusted Draining Pan
A drain pan is positioned beneath or within the air handler of your air conditioner to catch moisture when it drips. From here, the water continues to flow outdoors and into the drain pipe.
When your air conditioner is 15 to 20 years old, chances are the pan could already been damaged. The drain pan may corrode and rust over time, causing your AC to leak water. Furthermore, a rusty drain is a common occurrence for an aging unit and could be the cause of the leak.
Quick Fix:
A cracked drain pan must be meticulously and firmly sealed. After thoroughly cleaning the drain pan, find the cracks using portable light and some water. Fill up the cracks with a high-quality water-resistant sealer, then pour some more water on top to see how well it holds up. A rusty drain pan, on the other hand, should be replaced.
3. Disconnected Drain Line
The drain line may detach as a result of incorrect installation, following faulty repair, or as a result of becoming loose over time. This, too, can result in a leaking air conditioner.
Quick Fix:
To reconnect the drain line, get in touch with HVAC assistance. Always hire an expert for installation and repair services to prevent this issue from occurring again.
4. Condensate Pump or Float Switch Failure
The process of draining water requires a well-conditioned condensate pump. Water cannot be pumped outside the appliance if the condensate pump fails or the floater switch is damaged. The accumulation of water will cause your air conditioner to start leaking as a result.
Quick Fix:
Depending on the damage, get in touch with a technician to have the condensate pump fixed or replaced if necessary.
5. Condensate Accumulation
Condensation is a typical byproduct of the dehumidifying action of your air conditioner. But an excessive accumulation of moisture can cause an air conditioner to spill water from air ducts or vents. Insulation in your home may become wet and get damaged. Additionally, it may worsen your indoor air quality by encouraging the growth of mold in air ducts.
Quick Fix:
Insulate ducting if it runs through your attic. You will also need to resolve the roof’s leaks immediately so as not to aggravate the problem. Regular AC maintenance is also important to avoid this type of leaking.
Can You Run Your Air Conditioner While It Leaks?
Even if your air conditioner is dripping water, it will still function. However, its capacity to cool your room may start to decline, especially if the cause is more than just a damaged or clogged drain.
If your unit continues to operate, the significant damage to the internal AC components might eventually cause the compressor to fail.
Your walls, ceilings, furniture, and other household goods might all be in danger if your indoor AC unit starts to leak water. Mold formation might also be a result of too much moisture.
An HVAC professional like Dunrite Heating and Air can get the job done in no time.
Dunrite Heating and Air, a specialist when it comes to HVAC in San Jose, offers reliable air conditioner repairs and maintenance. It is always an excellent decision to seek expert assistance for leaking air conditioner issues at home or workplace. It saves time, labor, and repair costs. The issue will be accurately assessed by a skilled AC leak detector who will then provide the best fix. Contact us today for all your air conditioning and heating concerns.
