Air conditioners do more than just keep you cool, comfortable, and relaxed, especially during the hot months. They can also help improve indoor air quality, reduce humidity, protect your home from pests, and provide a safer environment for you and your family.
Leaking water from your air conditioner does not always indicate a serious problem. However, it's best to see it as a sign that there is an underlying issue that you should look into. Often, the leaking occurs due to a blockage in the water drip pathway. This would require either a simple cleaning or replacing the filter.
Leaks from your AC unit should not be considered alarming, but you should still resolve them as soon as you can. Unattended leaks can cause property damage and make your home a mess. Worse, the excess moisture can become a breeding ground for molds.
When your air conditioner has trouble removing or draining out excess water or moisture, the result will be leakage, which can eventually become serious. Although most leaks can be easily fixed, others will need further examination because these may require professional assistance.
Below are the common causes of air conditioner leaks and how they can be resolved.
Air conditioners collect moisture during the dehumidification process. Unfortunately, this can include dirt and other debris, which can be carried to the condenser drain. If not cleaned properly, the drain can become blocked, ultimately affecting the performance of your AC. This is also the leading cause of many AC issues, such as water leaks. If you notice water inside your air conditioner or signs of condensation, it's important to address the problem promptly. Get it repaired before the clogged AC drain leads to further problems.
To solve the problem, turn off your air conditioner and check the drain pan for standing water. Remove the water and clean the pan thoroughly. If the drain line is also clogged, scrub this with a wire brush. A specialized vacuum or pump could likewise be required depending on the extent of the blockage.
A drain pan is usually placed beneath or inside the unit's air handler to catch the water that drips from your AC. This will allow the water to continue flowing outwards and into the drainpipe.
However, if your air conditioner is about 15 to 20 years old, there's a good chance that the drain pan is already damaged. If this has cracks, your AC could leak water. The crack must be sealed tightly and meticulously. On the other hand, if the drain pan is rusty, this should be replaced.
According to an HVAC repair San Jose expert, the drain line could become loose, especially if it was incorrectly installed. This can also lead to a leaking air conditioner.
In this case, an HVAC professional has to be hired to reconnect the drain line. To prevent the problem from happening again, the expert must ensure accurate and complete drain line re-installation.
A working condenser pump is required to drain water from your air conditioner. If this is not the case, or if the floater switch of the pump has been damaged somehow, water cannot be drained from the appliance. The air conditioner will start to leak once the water has accumulated in the condenser pump. A technician will have to check your pump to have this repaired or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage.
Condensation can occur because of the dehumidification process taking place in your air conditioner. This can result in excessive moisture, which could cause your air conditioner to leak water from the vents or ducts. This can damage your home's insulation apart from causing the growth of molds in the air ducts.
To prevent this from happening, insulate your attic by installing ductwork. More serious damage can be avoided by fixing any roof leaks that you might have.
Most air conditioners will still work even if they have running water. However, they could lose the capability to cool your room, particularly if the leak is not due to a blocked drain or damaged pipes.
The compressor might also fail if the unit is allowed to continue running. The leak can likewise damage your home walls, ceilings, and furniture. This is especially true when there is already a mold infestation.
Air conditioners are essential home appliances because of the comfort that they bring. Thus, these are properly maintained to ensure that they will not suffer from leaks that can affect their performance.
While air conditioner leaks are not always serious, they could indicate that there's something wrong with your unit. The leak's cause must be determined so this can be fixed. Often, this can be due to a clogged drain, a damaged drain pan, a malfunctioning condenser pump, or a disconnected drain line. While some of these can be fixed easily, many should be referred to a professional technician to ensure that a complete and lasting solution is introduced to resolve the issue.
