A leaky air conditioner can put a damper on your day. The seemingly unstoppable leaking can ruin your walls, furniture, and carpeting. No wonder you want to know why your air conditioner is leaking water.
While it’s normal for air conditioners to occasionally leak water droplets, excessive leakage indicates an underlying malfunction that needs to be addressed. In this blog, we will explore the causes of A/C unit water leakage and the necessary preventive measures.
The Reasons For Why Air Conditioners Leak Water
Air conditioner units seem to start leaking randomly; however, several underlying reasons exist for this issue. It could be any of the following:
- Clogged Condensate Drain Line
A drain line is a part of your air conditioning unit that allows water to flow properly. When it is blocked, water backs up inside your home. Dust, dirt, or mold are common causes of a blocked drain line. - Dirty Air Filters:
Unwashed air filters can accumulate a lot of dirt. Unclean air filters can become clogged and restrict the airflow to the evaporator coil. Hence, this sets off a chain of reactions that lead to your A/C unit leaking water inside the house. - Low Refrigerant Levels:
A/C units that cannot produce proper refrigeration can freeze evaporator coils.
When these coils thaw, they produce water that overflows the drain pan. - Improper Installation
Many are unaware that their A/C might not be installed properly. A leaking air conditioning system is a sign of improper installation, which can be corrected by having professionals install it properly. - Broken Condensate Pump
Air conditioning systems installed in underground areas like basements can malfunction condensate pumps. This issue causes water to flow inside the house instead of being expelled outside.
Can I Still Use My A/C If It’s Leaking Water?
It can be tempting to continue using your air conditioner even if it’s leaking rather than face an overheated room. However, using a leaking A/C unit isn’t a good idea.
It can damage your unit more, and you might be at risk of mold exposure. So, it’s advisable to rest your AC unit until this issue is addressed.
Preventative Measures for Leaky Air Conditioners
You might wonder if there is something you can do to prevent your air conditioner from leaking water. Regular maintenance checks with an HVAC service professional are one of the most effective ways to prevent leaking A/C units.
HVAC service professionals like the Doctor Home Experts Electrical Heating And Air team can thoroughly check your air conditioner units to see if all components function correctly. While professional maintenance services are most effective, you can take a few steps to maintain your A/C’s optimal function.
Cleaning and replacing your air filters every three months is essential so airflow is not impacted. Regularly cleaning the condensate drain near your outdoor unit is one easy way to make sure your A/C doesn’t leak.
Conclusion
A leaky air conditioner can be frustrating to deal with. Additionally, it can cause costly damage by ruining your walls, flooring, and furniture. While it may be tempting to use a leaky air conditioning unit instead of turning it off, it can lead to more expensive repairs.
Getting professional help can save your leaking A/C unit from irreversible damage. The HVAC repair professionals at Doctor Home Experts Electrical Heating And Air can restore your A/C unit to its full potential. Call (713) 944-3362 for more information.