What makes air conditioners leak

If the drain line gets clogged with dust, dirt, sludge or mold, that water backs up into your home. But the surefire way is to have a professional use a special vacuum to suck the blockage material out. Got an old air conditioner years? The drain pan may be damaged or rusted through, so water just falls right through. Is your furnace and indoor AC unit installed in the basement?

If so then there is a condensate pump that pumps the water outside. You will need to repair or replace the pump. Issues with the condensate drain line are the most common cause of an air conditioner leaking water inside the house. When the system works as it should, the condensate collects on the evaporator coil and flows down through the drain line.

So, the drain line is a primary suspect when it comes to water leaks. If it gets clogged with dirt and debris which are carried into the line along with the condensate the backup can cause leaks or a rupture of the line. Vibrations can cause it to come loose and result in your air conditioner leaking water inside the house. Get it repaired by properly trained professionals to avoid future water leaks. Frozen AC equipment is the number one sign of an evaporator coil, air filter, or refrigerant issue.

Much like any other AC issue, your unit will become ineffective or may shut off. You will also notice high electric bills when you have low refrigerant.

For air filter or coil issues, you might notice visible signs of dirt and blockage. The solution here depends on the source of your issue and any further damage that it may have caused. At best, you may simply need an air filter replacement. You may also need replenished refrigerant levels or repair for any refrigerant leaks. If these problems caused deeper issues with your AC system, an expert will need to inspect and repair any resulting problems. To minimize the damage these issues can cause your system, it is best to prevent these problems or catch them early with professional HVAC maintenance.

If you notice a leak in your AC system, the experts at Newcomb and Company are here for you! For our Raleigh residents, Newcomb and Company also has the expert plumbers you may need to help with any water damage caused by AC leaks. Contact the specialists at Newcomb and Company to get started today!

Problem 1: Clogged or Damaged Drain Line Your condensate line or drain line is the piece of your air conditioner that carries your excess water outside. Signs of a Clogged Drain Line If you notice a full drain pan, a water leak, or excess water surrounding your AC unit, it is a sign of a potential drain line issue. Solution: Clearing Clogged Drain Line When a clogged drain line leak occurs, you must first shut if your system if it did not automatically turn off. Problem 2: Damaged Drain Pan Before being carried outdoors through your drain line, condensation gathers in your drain pan.

Signs of a Damaged Drain Pan Your drain pan should be visible for you to see at the base of your unit. Most modern air conditioning systems contain an indoor and outdoor unit. An evaporator coil is contained in the inside unit that cools the warm air as it blows over it to create a comfortable indoor temperature. As hot air blows over the coil, condensation starts to form. As the moisture forms, it drips into a drain pan that leads to a condensate drain line.

Over time, this line can become clogged with debris like dirt, dust, or mold. The line becomes backed up, causing the condensation to come back inside and leak water into your home. They have access to a special, powerful vacuum that can remove the blockage and free up the drain line. You already know that you should change the air filter for your air conditioner every 30 days. A dirty air filter can make your system work harder, resulting in possible damage or worn-out parts.

When the air is blocked, the coil becomes extremely cold and can start to freeze. As the frozen coil melts, the excess water can cause your pain to overflow. Keep a close eye on your air filter and change it every month or two.

If the filter looks to be extremely dirty or clogged, it could be the reason why your air conditioner is leaking water inside the house.