Air conditioners create water through condensation, but this water usually empties into drain lines. If you notice a leak, the first question to ask is, “Why is my AC leaking water?” Once you identify the issue, you can take proactive steps to fix it. With that in mind, the team at Kight’s Quality Air Conditioning & Heating Repair is here to discuss some of the most common reasons your air conditioner is leaking water.
Contact us today to speak to Indianapolis’s trusted AC repair company!
Dirty AC Filter
One of the most common causes of your AC leaking water is a dirty filter. Filters pick up dust and dirt, and the dirtier they get, the more they cling to moisture. At some point, moisture might start to leak from your filter into the rest of your system and through your AC vents. We recommend that homeowners change their dirty air filters at least once every six months to avoid leaking and air quality issues.
Clogged Drain Lines
Air conditioners have drain lines to remove any condensate and deposit it outside. However, dirt, dust, sediment, pet dander, and mold can clog drain lines, so condensate instead backs up into your system. Fortunately, cleaning drain lines is fairly straightforward. You can flush your drain lines with a weak solution of water and vinegar.
In some cases, drain lines might be broken and cause leaks. You will need to call an expert to inspect and fix any drain line damage.
Leaking Refrigerant
Despite what many people think, your AC should never need to change or top off its refrigerant. Refrigerant operates in a closed loop, and air conditioners are designed to run their entire lives without switching coolant fluid. So, if your unit starts to leak coolant, there is a problem with your refrigerant system.
Refrigerant itself is mostly colorless, but manufacturers usually add colored dyes so you can tell a leak—often green or yellow. Coolant also produces a semi-sweet chemical smell, so you should be able to smell it if there is a significant leak somewhere in your system. You may also hear a hissing or bubbling sound near a coolant leak.
Frozen Coils
Another common cause of a leaking air conditioner is frozen coils. The coil array cools the warm air, naturally creating condensation during operation. If coils are too dirty, condensation might cling to them and freeze into a frost. Frozen coils make your AC unit less efficient and can risk coil damage, so you should call an expert to clean them.
Coil cleaning is a part of routine air conditioner maintenance, so as long as you schedule regular appointments, you won’t have to worry about frozen coils that much. If you do clean your coils on your own, make sure you use a gentle soap and soft bristle brush so you don’t damage the fins.
Broken Condensate Pump
Air conditioners have condensate pumps that serve to pump moisture through drain lines. In addition to clogged drain lines, water leaking from your AC could be a result of a broken condensate pump. When the pump is broken, water collects in the drainage tray and doesn’t get pumped out of the system.
Poor Installation
In some cases, AC leaks might not be a result of damage but could be a result of a bad installation job. For example, if the installer doesn’t align the drain lines correctly, it could leak out into your system. As such, choosing a reputable company for installation is incredibly important if you don’t want to have to pay again to fix their mistakes.
Preventing AC Leaks
AC leaks might seem like an unimportant issue, but they can quickly devolve into damage that requires expensive. Just like in medicine, prevention is the best cure. Below are some simple things homeowners can do to prevent leaks from AC leaks.
- Inspect your condensate drain line spout to see if the condensate flow is blocked.
- If necessary, consider investing in AC sealant to prevent leaks.
- Make sure the drip pan is even and flat, or else it can spill water.
- Schedule HVAC maintenance at least once every year—preferably once every six months.
Trusted AC Repair In Indianapolis, IN
When you need AC repair, Kight’s Quality Air Conditioning & Heating Repair is here to serve. If you have any more questions like “Why is my AC leaking water?” contact us online or give us a call today at (463) 220-0628 to schedule an appointment!