Is your air conditioner leaking water? If you’re noticing puddles or drips near your AC unit, it might be worrisome. But don’t panic! This common problem has a few typical causes. Understanding why AC leaks can help you figure out if you can fix it or if it’s best to call the professionals at Doornbos Heating & Air Conditioning.
6 Common Causes for Air Conditioner Leaking Water
1. Clogged Drain Line
What Happens When the Drain Line Clogs?
The drain line moves water from your AC unit to the outside. But sometimes, this line can get blocked with dirt, dust, or even organic growth. When the drain line is clogged, water has nowhere to go and so it starts to back up, leading to leaks. This is one of the most frequent causes of an air conditioner leaking water.
How to Fix a Clogged Drain Line
You can try to clear the clog yourself with a wet/dry vacuum or a plumber’s snake. If these don’t work, or you’re just comfortable with DIY projects, call Doornbos. Our trained technicians can clean the line quickly and thoroughly.
2. Dirty Air Filter
Why a Dirty Air Filter Causes Leaks
When your air filter gets too dirty, it can block the flow of air over the evaporator coils. These coils need air to stay cool and keep the condensation from freezing. Without enough air, ice can form on the coils, and when it melts, it drips water. This overflow can cause your AC to leak.
How to Prevent Leaks With Regular Maintenance
To prevent this problem, check and change your air filter regularly. Most homes need a new filter every one to three months. Along with checking, cleaning or replacing the air filter, Doornbos has comprehensive maintenance plans to meet every budget. In reality, you can’t afford not to have regularly scheduled maintenance on your AC unit. Click here to learn more.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels
The Role of Refrigerant in Your AC
Refrigerant helps your air conditioner cool the air. If your AC is low on refrigerant, it can cause the pressure in your system to drop, leading to frozen evaporator coils. Like with a dirty air filter, when the ice melts, it can create excess water that leaks out.
Signs of Low Refrigerant
If your air conditioner is hissing or bubbling, it might be a sign of low refrigerant. This is a serious issue, so you should contact Doornbos Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an AC repair.
4. Improper Installation
How Installation Affects AC Leaks
If your air conditioner was not installed correctly, it might not be level. This can affect how water drains from the unit. Water might not flow where it should, and instead, it can pool and leak out.
Checking Your AC’s Installation
It’s best to have a professional check your AC if you suspect installation problems. They can adjust the unit, to ensure it’s properly leveled. Doornbos provides top-notch service which includes professionally done AC installations.
5. Broken Pump
What the Pump Does
Your AC unit has a pump that helps move water to the drain line. If this pump breaks, water won’t be pumped out efficiently and might start to leak.
How to Identify a Broken Pump
If you hear unusual noises from your AC or see that water isn’t draining properly, the pump might be the culprit. This issue requires a professional to replace the pump. Call Doornbos to handle your broken pump today.
6. Excessive Humidity
How Humidity Causes Leaks
On very humid days, your air conditioner might have to work harder to remove moisture from the air. If there’s too much water, it can overflow the drain pan, leading to leaks.
Managing Humidity in Your Home
Using a dehumidifier in your home can help manage humidity levels and reduce the burden on your AC unit. Doornbos offers whole-house dehumidifiers and humidifiers. Contact our friendly staff to learn more about these and our other indoor air quality options.
Identifying The Cause Of Your Air Conditioner Leaking
If you’re dealing with an air conditioner leaking water, it’s important to identify the cause quickly. Whether it’s a clogged drain line, dirty air filter, low refrigerant, improper installation, broken pump, or excessive humidity, understanding the source of the problem can help you fix it faster. Regular maintenance is key to preventing these issues.
Remember, when in doubt, a better option is to call a professional to ensure your AC runs smoothly and efficiently all season long. Doornbos Heating & Air Conditioning provides comprehensive care for your air conditioning and heating systems. We can help you, too!
Contact Doornbos today and experience the expertise of a company based on honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
