As temperatures begin heating up, your air conditioner will get a lot of use. If you find your AC leaking water and operating inefficiently, it can be alarming and you might wonder over and over again “Why is my AC leaking water?”. Luckily, having your AC leaking water is not the end of the world and there are a few steps to stop it.
Although the fastest way to fix it might be to call a professional HVAC contractor, there are a few things you can do to diagnose the issue. Here are common reasons for an AC leak and how to fix an air conditioner leaking water inside.
Table of Contents
How an air conditioner works
To detect the cause of your AC leak, it’s important to know how an air conditioner works.
In addition to keeping your home cool, your air conditioner controls humidity. Evaporator coils condense warm air coming into the unit and remove any humidity. This moisture ends up in a condensate drain line that removes water from your home.
If you find water dripping from a split AC indoor unit, that means something stops the moisture from draining properly. Here are five reasons why you may have your AC dripping water.
5 Common Causes of Air Conditioner Leak
1. Excessive Condensation
If an excessive amount of condensation builds up, water will eventually drip from the AC vents instead of its intended place. Condensation can build up if there is a leaky roof or inadequate insulation.
Solution
Check the roof for any leaks and install ductwork insulation. That might be the cause of your ac dripping water.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils can freeze if the air filter becomes clogged or the refrigerant liquid leaks. With frozen coils, the moisture builds up until it eventually leaks out in the form of your HVAC leaking water. For this type of ac leak, there are usually two possible culprits: a dirty or clogged air filter, or a refrigerant leak.
Solution
If you have a clogged air filter, it’s an easy fix. Simply clean it or replace it.
If it’s a refrigerant leak, that usually means there’s a crack or a burst in the coolant container. In this case, you should contact your HVAC technician to fix the problem.
3. Obstructed or Disconnected Condensate Drain Line
Dirt or debris from the moisture in the unit can gradually clog the condensate drain line and lead to an AC unit leaking water. The drain line can also disconnect, causing water to drip water from the AC.
Solution
Because this type of issue involves many parts, the only solution is for an HVAC technician to reconnect the AC drain line.
4. Broken Condensate Pump
The condensate pump is the part that removes the water from the AC unit but, if this part breaks, water has no way of draining, leaving you with water leaking from the air conditioner.
Solution
Unfortunately, it can be a bit tough to find the exact part for your exact HVAC unit model at retail store so, for this type of issue, you are usually better off calling a professional to avoid any mistakes.
Your HVAC technician can repair the damage or replace the part entirely.
5. Damaged Drain Pan
The drain pan helps prevent water leaks by catching moisture from the AC unit. If the drain pan is damaged, it can rust and crack, causing your AC leak.
Solution
Repair the drain pan with sealant or replace the AC drain pan entirely.
Stop Your AC Leak With Expert HVAC Technicians
If you are unsure how to fix your leaking air conditioner, the best way to solve the problem is to call a professional.
The HVAC technicians at Hurley & David can diagnose, repair, or replace your AC unit so you can enjoy the comforts of home this summer. With 24/7 AC repair service, you can always get help whenever you need it. Schedule your AC service online or call (413) 315-5588.