When you hear about water leaks, you probably think about your plumbing system, right? Plumbing pipes have leaks all the time! Well, at least, a lot more than we probably prefer.
While plumbing leaks are certainly inconvenient and sometimes even really expensive to fix, there is another type of water leak you should be concerned about–not because it happens often but because when it does happen, it means trouble–a water leak coming from your air conditioner. If you’re unsure how serious the issue might be, it helps to review some basic DIY AC troubleshooting tips before taking action.
Why Is There Water Coming From My AC?
The reason there is any water in your air conditioner at all has nothing to do with its operation, but the fact that condensation forms along the evaporator coil. Cold refrigerant travels through this coil, which draws heat from the air in order to cool it down and return it to your living space. As the refrigerant evaporates, it causes moisture in the air to condense.
The water drips off the coil, and ideally into a condensate drainage system that is designed to catch and remove it. There’s a shallow drain below the coil that collects the moisture, and a pump draws the water out of the drain. A tube carries the water outside, where it safely drips onto the ground.
When you see water where it shouldn’t be–for example, puddling around the air conditioner itself–this means that the condensate drain or pan has a problem. It might be that it got clogged up with debris. This can be prevented with maintenance, which we’ll touch on more below, but once it happens, you’ll need to address the issue so it doesn’t cause subsequent problems. Staying proactive with seasonal care and following these avoid air conditioning repairs can go a long way toward keeping your system in good condition.
Can I Fix It On My Own?
You will need a trained HVAC professional to safely and accurately detach the pan from the drain, effectively clean the drain, and reassemble the drainage system. Trying to do this on your own could unintentionally cause more harm than good for your air conditioner, and can leave you calling in a professional anyway—especially if you’re considering late season AC repairs.
How Can I Prevent This From Happening Again?
Maintenance!
Routine, annual HVAC maintenance (or biannual, if you have a heat pump) allows our technicians to thoroughly inspect, adjust, and clean all the components that need it. By taking these steps, we ensure that everything within the system is working exactly as it should, including the condensate drainage system.
Air conditioning maintenance is typically recommended in the springtime, before you need your system the most. If you missed this window though, it’s never too late! With maintenance, consistency is more important than timing. So give us a call to schedule your next maintenance tune-up. Not only will it help keep your condensate drainage system in good shape, but it will also reduce your repair costs by up to 85%, retain 95% of the system’s original efficiency rating, and help your air conditioner last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why is my air conditioner leaking water?
Answer: An air conditioner can leak water due to a clogged condensate drain line, dirty air filter, or frozen evaporator coil. These issues prevent moisture from draining properly, causing water to overflow and leak near the indoor unit.
Question: Is a leaking air conditioner an emergency?
Answer: While not always an immediate emergency, a leaking air conditioner should be addressed quickly. Ongoing leaks can cause water damage, promote mold growth, and indicate underlying problems that may worsen if left unresolved.
Question: Can a dirty air filter cause my AC to leak water?
Answer: Yes, a dirty air filter can restrict airflow, leading to frozen coils. When the ice melts, excess water may overwhelm the drain system and leak out. Replacing or cleaning filters regularly helps prevent this issue.
Question: Should I turn off my air conditioner if it is leaking water?
Answer: Turning off the system is often a good first step to prevent further water damage. Once off, it is best to have the unit inspected to identify and fix the cause of the leak before resuming normal operation.
Question: When should I call a professional for a leaking air conditioner?
Answer: You should call a professional if the leak continues, water damage is present, or the cause is unclear. A technician can safely diagnose clogged drains, frozen coils, or other issues and restore proper system function.
Call the friendly staff at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for exceptional customer service! We’re your trusted resource for air conditioner repairs in Pittsburgh and beyond. Contact us today!
