It can be alarming to see water dripping from an air conditioner, but an AC leak doesn't necessarily mean you need AC repairs or a costly replacement. In fact, some causes of an air conditioner leaking may have simple fixes that you can do on your own. Bloomington Heating & Air is providing these tips to help you troubleshoot an AC leak.
If you can't fix the issue on your own or want the help of experienced HVAC technicians, schedule an appointment with our HVAC company. We even provide 24/7 emergency air conditioning service!
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter can sometimes be the culprit of a leaking AC. Luckily, it's one of the easiest causes to fix. When a filter becomes too clogged, air cannot pass through over the evaporator coils. With insufficient airflow, the evaporator coils can freeze up. When the AC turns off, and the coils begin to melt, water then leaks from the air conditioner. Typically, you should change a filter every 45–90 days, depending on the filter's MERV rating, how many people and pets are in your home, and the overall air quality.
Old Or Faulty Drain Pan
A drain pan or drip pan collects water condensation that occurs naturally as your AC unit cools the air in your home. However, if the pan was improperly installed or is aging, cracks or displacement may happen over time, which can cause AC leaks. Most AC handlers (the indoor portion of an air conditioner system) have two drain pans: a permanent one and a removable one. The removable one, typically located underneath the evaporator coils, can be replaced or sealed temporarily with water sealant. However, if the issue is with the permanent one, an AC technician will need to be called for repairs.
Clogged Drain Line
As water collects in the drain pan, it is removed from the system through drain lines. Over time, these lines may become clogged with dust, mold, and other debris. You can attempt to clear the line yourself if you have access to a wet-dry vac, though a more powerful commercial-grade wet-vac from a professional AC company may be required. For most indoor handlers, the drain line can be cleaned through the PVC pipe that sticks up at a 90-degree angle somewhere around the air handler. First, make sure that power to the AC is turned off, then simply unscrew the cap and carefully vacuum out the tube.
The best way to prevent AC leaks and other AC issues is by having routine AC maintenance performed. Air conditioner maintenance not only catches problems before they become major complications but also prevents issues from arising in the first place! In need of repairs? Contact Bloomington Heating & Air for quick, effective HVAC repairs.