An air conditioner leaking water can be distressing to homeowners in Stillwater, OK. Anytime a piece of essential home equipment acts out of the ordinary, you start thinking of the worst-case scenario.
Is it dangerous? Would AC companies charge a lot of money for repairs? These are some questions going through your head right now.
First and foremost, calm down and relax. There are only a handful of common AC problems with leaking water as one of the symptoms. Many of them are easy and typically not expensive to fix, and some you might be able to do yourself.
The most important thing is to identify the problem quickly to prevent more extensive damage. Here are some common reasons why your AC is leaking water and what you can do to fix them.
Check an Air Conditioner Leaking Water for Dirty Air Filters
The first and easiest thing to check is your AC’s air filters. Dirty filters inhibit airflow through the system, particularly to the evaporator coils. When the coil’s refrigerant doesn’t absorb warm air, it freezes the evaporator coils, and that’s when trouble starts.
The ice that forms on the coils melts when the AC is turned off or when the unit reaches the desired temperature. That’s the reason for water leakage.
The Department of Energy recommends cleaning or replacing your AC filters every one or two months. Changing filters makes your system more efficient, less prone to breakdowns, and improves indoor air quality.
Assess the Condition of the Drain Pan
Air conditioners don’t just cool the air, but they also dehumidify the air. The drain or drip pan underneath the unit collects the moisture and humidity removed from the air. AC pan leaking is one of the reasons why your AC unit is dripping water.
The drain pan can overflow when the air is exceptionally humid, which may explain the leak. But it’s also likely that the drip pain has cracks or holes due to aging or rusting. It’s best to replace a damaged or rusted drain pan.
Examine the Drain Line for Clogging or Disconnection
The water that collects in the drip pan must find its way outside your home. That’s the function of the condensate or drain line. It’s a PVC or metal pipe that passes through an exterior wall to the outside.
Dirt, debris, and mold can block the drain line and cause the drip pan to overflow. Manual unclogging of the condensate line may fix your AC leaking issue.
The drain line may also be disconnected due to poor installation. Take care to hire an experienced HVAC professional in Stillwater, OK, to do a proper job this time around.
Is It Water or Refrigerant?
What you thought was a water leak may have been something more serious. Suppose you notice an unpleasant smell or a bubbling noise along with the leak. In that case, you’re probably dealing with a refrigerant leak.
“Is there an AC repair near me?” should be your first reaction if you suspect a refrigerant leak. It’s unsafe to deal with a leaking refrigerant by yourself since it can irritate your skin and lungs.
Don’t Sweat It
An air conditioner leaking water is a common problem that most homeowners in Stillwater, OK, experience at one time or another. But don’t worry too much because these issues are easy to identify and fix.
We at Advantage are ready to help you deal with leaking ACs, disconnected drain lines, and other issues. Contact us today for a free quote.
