Water leaking from your air conditioner is a problem that you may not expect to see. While this indicates a problem, there is no need to panic. If you notice water dripping from your AC, turn off the unit and contact HVAC support. The following are some reasons why your system could be leaking.
1. Low Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels can cause water leaks from the air conditioner. This leak often occurs at connection points where tubing is attached to other equipment such as the compressor or expansion valve. A refrigerant leak will require the repair or replacement of components and for the system to be recharged.
2. Clogged Condensation Pan
A clogged condensation pan is the most common reason an AC leaks water. The condensation pan is a plastic container located directly underneath the evaporator coil in your air conditioner. It’s there to collect any condensation that forms on the evaporator coil and any moisture that is pulled out of the air as it passes over the coil.
When your air conditioner is working properly, liquid drips down into a hole at the bottom of the pan, where it’s drained out of your house through a pipe that runs to the outside. But when a clog forms in this pipe, it backs up into the pan and eventually spills out over its edge. If you suspect you have a clogged drain, we recommend calling Affordable Service Solutions Heating & Air Conditioning to inspect your system.
3. Improper Installation
Sometimes a problem can be caused by improper installation of your air conditioner. For example, maybe the unit was not installed at the right angle or tilted to one side. Because of this, drain water doesn’t flow freely through the condensate drain line and instead pools. If your AC unit is leaking water because it wasn’t installed correctly, you’ll need to call a professional HVAC technician for a repair.
It’s advisable that you do not try to fix an improperly installed air conditioning system on your own. It’s a complicated job that requires specific tools and knowledge that are best left up to a professional HVAC contractor.
4. Frozen Evaporator Coil
One of the most common causes of air conditioner leaks is a frozen evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is found inside the indoor air handler cabinet, and when it gets too cold, it causes condensation to freeze on the coil.
This can happen for a few reasons:
- Blocked or dirty air filter
- Sizing mismatch between your AC unit and home
- Leaky ductwork
- Low refrigerant charge
- Broken drain line or overflow pan
- Thermostat set too low or a thermostat malfunction
A freezing and unfreezing of a coil will cause water to leak. If you’re unsure how to deal with this problem yourself, you can always call a professional to help you diagnose and fix the issue quickly before any damage is done.
5. Dirty Air Filter
A dirty filter can strain your home’s HVAC system and impede airflow over the unit’s evaporator coil. The coil becomes extremely cold when the air is blocked and can even start to freeze. When the frozen coil melts, the excess water can cause your pan to overflow. If the filter looks extremely dirty or clogged, this could be the reason your air conditioner is leaking water inside your home.
6. Faulty Float Switch
The float switch is a mechanism inside your air conditioner that controls the condensation pump. When excess water accumulates in the drain pan, the float switch activates and turns on the condensate pump to remove it from the unit. If the float switch is stuck in the “on” position or there isn’t enough space for excess water to accumulate in the drain pan, condensation will drip out of your AC.
Water dripping from an AC unit means that the unit is not dehumidifying the air properly, making your home feel clammy and uncomfortable. In some cases, it can also lead to mold and mildew growth. If you suspect you have a faulty switch, call an HVAC technician for professional assistance.
7. Disconnected Drain Line
A faulty drain line will result in your AC leaking water if it is not connected properly. Drain lines can disconnect due to improper installations, improper repairs, or when they become loose over time. When the drain line is disconnected, water can pool around the unit. To reconnect the drain line, contact Affordable Service Solutions Heating & Air Conditioning HVAC support. It’s best to call a professional for any repair or installation work to avoid such problems in the future.
Contact Affordable Service Solutions Heating & Air Conditioning today if you are in Richmond, KY, or surrounding areas when you experience leaks from your AC. We also provide service for boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, or loose electrical connections. Our skilled technicians are available 24/7 for emergency service.
