Is Water Seeping From Your Air Conditioning?

Is Water Seeping From Your Air Conditioning? Here Are 8 Potential Reasons

An air conditioner (AC) removes heat and humidity from the air to keep your home cool and pleasant. Condensate, or water, is produced in your furnace or air handler as the air conditioner removes humidity from the air. Normally, this water is pumped to a drain pan and piped into your home's drainage system.

Unfortunately, a problem or a buildup of sludge might cause the piping to become clogged. When this occurs, water flows back into your furnace's or air handler's drain pan. Then, it can seep into your house. If your furnace or air handler is situated in the attic or above a finished ceiling, this is especially problematic.

Building codes mandate that a secondary or safety drain pan be installed beneath the furnace or air handler in the majority of homes. The pipe from this auxiliary drain pan exits the house outside. If water starts to drain from the pipe outlet, which is typically above the outside of a window, it will be seen very quickly. This is not a typical occurrence. Indications that the primary drain is backed up and water is now draining from the safety drain pan include water draining from pipes outside of your property.

1. A condensate drain that is clogged

Water condenses on the cold metal surface of the evaporator coil when hot, humid air passes over it. In the furnace or air handler, the water eventually drains into a basin located beneath the interior coil. Before the pan is completely filled, the condensate runs out of it and into the drain piping as the cooling cycle takes place.

However, the drain could become blocked by dirt, mineral deposits, mold, and other debris. As a result, the water cannot adequately drain away. For the peace of mind that the unclogging operation will be completed correctly and without causing additional harm, choose an expert like HVAC Installation and Repair Guide Experts. The Service Experts can also install a safety feature that will turn off your air conditioner automatically if the drain backs up again later, preventing water damage to your property. Naturally, regular AC repair will help maintain the condensate drain free of obstructions.

2. Drain Line Is Disconnected

 The connection between the drain line and the drain pan could become loose or disconnected, albeit this is not very common. When changing the air filter or working close to the device, this can be the reason. In the event that the drain line separates from the pan, AC leaks may happen. Check your AC to see if the drain line is still attached to the coil drain pan. If it is no longer connected, we advise contacting an HVAC specialist right away to fix the problem.

3. A broken condensate pump

Condensate pumps are necessary for some air conditioners in order to drain the water effectively. These pumps are required when the home's drainage system is situated above the air conditioner. If the condensate pump malfunctions, water may still back up in the pan and spill out even if the drain is clear. Initially, confirm that the pump is on. If not, a malfunctioning condensate pump may be to blame for the AC leak.

4. A dirty or damaged evaporator coil

Small drips in preference to a larger pool may be caused by water splashing off the evaporator coil as opposed to properly draining into the drain pan and condensate line if you notice them around the exterior of your furnace or air handler. This might be the case if the coils are unclean or if water is diverted via holes in the insulation surrounding the coils.

5. Low Refrigerant Level

The refrigerant level may be low as a result of a leak if you discover one and the air conditioner isn't chilling as it should. Refrigerant, which is used by air conditioners to produce cool air, must be checked frequently as part of seasonal maintenance to ensure the longevity of your appliance. The evaporator coils could freeze over and overflow the drain pan when they defrost if there is insufficient refrigerant. Contrary to popular belief, your air conditioner doesn't need to be refilled unless there is a leak. Since the system is sealed, recharging is only required when a leak manifests itself.

6. Unclean Air Filter

To ensure adequate airflow, your air conditioner's filter should be changed frequently. The evaporator coils could freeze if there is insufficient airflow, which would cause them to get excessively chilly. Then, as the evaporator coils defrost, too much water will gather in the drain pan, perhaps resulting in an overflow. Try replacing your air filter to fix this. Sometimes more repairs are the best choice if the issue persists.

7. It Is Too Cold Outside to Run the AC

In warm weather, air conditioners are designed to be used. If you use your air conditioner while the outside temperature is 60 degrees or lower, the evaporator coils may freeze. The water and ice will defrost and fall off the evaporator coils, possibly causing an overflow because the ice has blocked the drain pan hole.

8. A leaky drip pan

Even though air conditioners are built to last, nothing lasts forever. If your air conditioner is 12 years old or older, years of regular usage may have damaged or rusted the drip pan. If the drain pan is pierced with holes, condensate may seep through and cause a leak in the water system.

All of Your Air Conditioning Repair Needs Can Be Handled by Our Experts

Regardless of the cause of your AC's water leak, HVAC Installation and Repair Guide Experts can fix the problem. Your air conditioner will be diagnosed and repaired by us, and we'll get it up and running as soon as possible.

Our professionals have a high level of training, expertise, and certification to deliver excellent jobs. We are so confident in our repairs that we provide a one-year, 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work!

Even joining a worry-free membership plan will be covered. This can sometimes help you identify AC problems, such as water leaks, quickly so you can prevent future breakdowns and maintain the comfort of your home.