My Air Conditioner Is Leaking—What Do I Do?

When the sweltering weather rolls around, you are grateful for your air conditioner. Both homeowners and business owners can appreciate how central air contributes to increased comfort and better indoor air quality. That’s why it can be very stressful when you discover an issue with your AC system. If you’ve noticed leaking, the first step is to identify the cause. An HVAC specialist at Van Drunen Heating & Air Conditioning can quickly determine the problem and provide answers to your questions. Here are a few possible reasons your AC may be leaking. If you suspect that your AC has any of the problems below, call us right away. 

How Water Forms in Your AC

Modern air conditioners typically have an exterior and interior unit. On the indoors unit, there is an evaporator coil that cools the air. Sometimes, hot air blowing through the evaporator coil causes condensation to form, similar to how water droplets appear on a cold glass of water on a summer’s day. As moisture continues to form, the droplets fall into a pan that leads to a condensate drain line. In ideal conditions, this system removes the dripping condensation out of your home. 

Unfortunately, there are a few reasons that this process may not go as intended, but remember that our experts are here to help. We can help you determine if the leak is caused by any of the below issues. 

Drain Line is Clogged

As mentioned above, the drain line is responsible for carrying away condensation. If water cannot drain through this system, it’s possible that the drain line is clogged with debris, mold, or dirt. Typically, a major sign of a clogged drain line is if the leak occurs inside of your home, since the water cannot leave but instead comes back inside. Rest assured that our team can quickly solve the issue so your AC is up and running again.  

Air Filter Needs to Be Replaced

Most homeowners know that it’s important to replace their air conditioner’s filter regularly. After all, the AC filter has a big responsibility, which is keeping airborne contaminants from recycling back into your home. Over time, the filter becomes clogged, which affects your system’s efficacy and makes it work harder. The additional strain can wear out your AC’s parts, causing problems down the line. 

Notably, a dirty filter can contribute to an AC leak. A clogged filter blocks airflow from quickly moving through the unit’s evaporator coil. The coil then becomes unusually cold due to the blocked air, causing it to freeze and later melt. As a result, the melting water can cause the drain pan to overflow. 

Refrigerant Levels Are Low

Low refrigerant levels can lower the pressure in your AC, which is another cause of a frozen evaporator coil. Listen for hissing or bubbling sounds, indicating a leak. Likewise, if your home isn’t cooling as much as it should be, chances are there isn’t enough refrigerant. Our professionals are happy to take a look and solve the matter.

Contact Van Drunen Heating & Air Conditioning for Assistance

If your AC is leaking, call an HVAC professional at Van Drunen Heating & Air Conditioning right away. The sooner the problem is fixed, the faster you can get back to having a comfortable home.