Do you notice water coming out of your air conditioner? A few drops may not be a cause for concern. However, it is best that you make regular air conditioner checks to ensure that any problems are detected at the earliest time.
This article lists several of the most common reasons why your air conditioner leaking water inside. It also includes steps to keep your air conditioner problems from getting worse.
How & Why Water Forms in Your Air Conditioner
Contents
- 1 How & Why Water Forms in Your Air Conditioner
- 2 How Do I Know If My Air Conditioner Is Leaking Water?
- 3 Causes For An Air Conditioner That Is Leaking Water
- 3.1 A Clogged Air Conditioner Drain Line
- 3.2 Dirty Air Conditioner Air Filter
- 3.3 Air Conditioner is Low on Refrigerant
- 3.4 Air Conditioner Has a Leaking Or Full Drain Pan
- 3.5 Ice On Air Conditioner Evaporator Coils
- 3.6 Broken Air Conditioning Condensate Pump
- 3.7 Incorrect Air Conditioner Installation
- 3.8 Avoid Common Air Conditioner Leaks: Work with a Professional HVAC Contractor
- 3.9 Conclusion
- 4 Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
The formation of water is expected in working air conditioners. A cooling system pulls air from outside, and this air passes through the evaporator coils. These coils have cold refrigerant in them, and it draws the heat from the air, cooling it in the process. This also results in water condensing on the coils. Some of the water helps keep the coils cool while the excess water goes through a drain tube at the back of the air conditioning system.
It is a good sign when your air conditioner produces water while it is on because it means the unit works as it should. You might even have to worry if the cooling system doesn’t produce water while it is running since this is a sign of a problem. For instance, the water may be draining in some other component that isn’t visible. It could also be that the water isn’t draining properly and is instead turning into ice on the coils.
A working air conditioner can produce 6 to 20 gallons per day. The amount may increase when the weather becomes more humid. In this case, you may have a problem as the unit generates too much water that floods that area in your home.
How Do I Know If My Air Conditioner Is Leaking Water?
A telltale sign that your air conditioner leaks water is if water trickles from somewhere other than the cooling system’s water drain located at the back of the unit. Water puddles may be forming under another side of your air conditioner. You may notice that a considerable amount of water flows down the wall where the unit is installed. You should remember where water droplets typically form when your air conditioner is running. This way, you can quickly determine if anything is wrong.
Causes For An Air Conditioner That Is Leaking Water
Once you are sure that your air conditioner is abnormally leaking water, the next step is to find out what is causing the leak. Some of the most common reasons are:
A Clogged Air Conditioner Drain Line
Air conditioners have a drain pipe or hose that drains the water out from the drain pan. This drain line removes the excess water from the unit to the outside. However, sludge and other debris can develop in the drain pipe’s inner walls as your cooling unit gets older. These can clog the pipe and prevent the water from passing through, causing water to pool in the drain pan instead. If you notice that you have a full drain pan every time you switch your air conditioner on, there’s a high chance this is the cause.
Dirty Air Conditioner Air Filter
An old air conditioner and not changing the filter regularly can cause dirty air filters. Dirty air filters stop the air from passing through your air conditioner. As a result, moisture becomes trapped inside. It freezes around the coils and even forms into ice crystals on the filters. The ice can melt again as your air conditioner continues running. It can then leak out of your drain pan.
Air Conditioner is Low on Refrigerant
Your cooling system may have low refrigerant levels if you feel that your home no longer gets as cool as before, even if the AC’s cooling settings remain the same. Having low refrigerant can cause water to leak as this problem leads to pressure loss inside the air conditioner. If this happens, the coils will freeze, and the excess water will overflow the drain pan. Another sign that you have a refrigerant leak or low refrigerant levels is if you hear a hissing noise coming from your air conditioner while it is on. Call a professional HVAC technician immediately when you spot these signs.
Air Conditioner Has a Leaking Or Full Drain Pan
A full drain pan can overflow. During the summer season, your air conditioner may drain up to 20 gallons of water a day, especially if there are high humidity levels. You only need to unplug the drain pan to get rid of the water. However, drain pans can corrode and crack as time passes. It can become leaky or damaged. Inspect your drain pan for cracks or damages, especially if you have an old air conditioner.
Ice On Air Conditioner Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils can freeze because the moisture that results from condensation doesn’t have anywhere else to go. A dirty filter blocking the airflow through the unit can cause this issue. The ice that formed will eventually melt and leak onto the drain pan.
Broken Air Conditioning Condensate Pump
Some air conditioning models are equipped with condensate pumps. This component removes the excess water and drains it outside. If your unit has a condensate pump and you notice unusual leaking, this part may be the cause. An HVAC technician can assist you in repairing or replacing a faulty pump.
Incorrect Air Conditioner Installation
Another cause of water leaks in your air conditioner that is often overlooked is faulty system installation. For instance, a unit not installed on a leveled surface can cause water to flow out. Water can fill irregularly in the overflow tub. As a result, the water can spill and leak before the pan gets full. If you have a window air conditioning unit, it may have been installed at a downward angle, so the water leaks inside. A simple solution is to tilt the unit backward a bit so the water can drain at the back. If you have a new air conditioner but already see leaks, it may not have been installed correctly. Ensure that you hire a professional HVAC crew to install a new air conditioner to prevent problems like these from happening.
Avoid Common Air Conditioner Leaks: Work with a Professional HVAC Contractor
Letting a professional conduct the installation, repair, and maintenance is the best way to prevent common air conditioner problems like leaks from cropping up. Correct installation can save you a lot of hassle down the line. Aside from the assurance that you have a properly installed unit, you also receive benefits such as a professional warranty, quality units and components, and proper after-sales support. This way, you can take care of your air conditioning system and ensure optimum performance.
Conclusion
Air conditioner issues will occur, especially as it ages. When you are aware of the early signs of air conditioning problems like leaks, you can see any problems and get your unit back to tiptop shape quickly. You can also optimize your air conditioner’s function and extend its service life. You can make sure your home remains comfortable throughout any season with professional support.
Call our team of expert HVAC technicians when you need professional installation, replacement, repair, and tune-ups. This way, your air conditioner stays in good working condition all year round.
Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
When you need superior heating and cooling services in Greater Princeton, NJ area, make sure to call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team of professionally certified technicians can help you with all your HVAC service needs, including tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. All of our friendly techs have the experience, skills, and knowledge to service your HVAC system correctly and on time.
For the most competitive HVAC service costs in the area, call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. Our maintenance services help enhance your comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality while reducing your energy costs. We can provide the best HVAC replacement or repair solution for your home while staying within your budget. Your satisfaction is our priority, so all of our work is guaranteed. Book your next service appointment with PFO Heating & Air Conditioning today. Call us for a free, in-home estimate.
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