If your air conditioner is leaking water, that is a major cause for concern. Leaks can cause mold growth in your home, attract pests, and cause discoloration on other materials in your home. Not only do you have to worry about damage to your home, but also damage to the internal components of the system, as well as overworking smaller units. 

When you notice a leak, turning off the unit can prevent further damage to the home and internal components until a technician can arrive. Once you determine your AC is leaking water, you will need to identify the cause before you call your HVAC expert. Here are some of the most common reasons your air conditioning unit can experience a leak and how a technician will remedy them.

Clogged Condensate Drain

A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common problems for air conditioner leaks. Over time, the lines can get clogged with algae, dirt, dust, and debris, leading to moisture backups. When your line backs up, the drain pan will overflow and cause water to leak into the home. Homeowners can use a wet/dry vac to suck out debris and repair the clog. Professionals will use a higher-powered vacuum to remove the blockage and prolong the life of your AC system.

Damaged Condensate Drain Pan

Condensate drain pans can rust or become damaged after years of use, especially if your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan. AC units can last between 12 and 15 years, so any unit that is nearing this age can benefit from a new condensate plate. This is the most common issue in older units and may indicate that it is time to replace the entire system. 

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Another common reason for leaking water is frozen evaporator coils. Restricted airflow, low refrigerant levels, or dirty evaporator coils can cause the moisture to freeze on the coils and then melt when the unit is no longer running. Homeowners should monitor their refrigerant levels and keep the coils clean in order to avoid unnecessary leaks. Some homeowners may benefit from hiring a technician to check these problems and maintain the quality of their unit.

Dirty Air Filters

Your HVAC system can benefit from new air filters every month in order to prevent restricted airflow. Dirty filters lead to condensation and water leakage, which can cause the system to work harder and run less efficiently. Putting off the changing of air filters could lead to worn-out parts, shorter AC lifespans, and the need for an entirely new unit. Regularly checking your filters is an easy way to stay on top of leaks or other potential damage. 

Disconnected Or Damaged Drain Line

The drain line for an air conditioner is responsible for carrying condensation away from the unit. If this line is disconnected or unable to move moisture away from the unit, it could lead to a water leak. Disconnected lines can cause leaks inside the system or outside the unit, which will be more noticeable to homeowners. Improper installation or neglecting to maintain the drain line are common reasons they may begin to leak.

Excess Humidity

Extreme humidity in your home or the surrounding climate could cause strain on your AC unit. High humidity will also cause the unit to produce more condensation while running to keep your home cool. If you have a smaller system that is working to cool a large home, it may not be able to keep up with the excess moisture, leading to leaks. Leaking water is not always a sign of an improperly sized unit, but it can be an indicator that you are putting unnecessary strain on your system.

Improper Installation

If you installed your air conditioner yourself or worked with an unreliable company, this could be the cause of your leak. If the unit is not level or drains and pipes are not connected properly, the water and condensation may pool and spill out of the unit. Leaking water, especially in a unit inside your home, is a big deal. When a technician comes out to your home, make sure they solve the cause of the leak rather than just providing a temporary solution. If the unit was improperly installed, the new technician should reinstall the unit for better operation in the future. 

Working With TriForce HVAC

Our team is the trusted experts in Layton, UT, offering services for furnaces, air conditioners, mini-splits, and humidifiers. TriForce HVAC is licensed and insured as well, so all homeowners can have peace of mind about the quality of our services. The companies you let into your home are important, meaning they should treat you, your home, and your equipment with respect. 

Don’t let the changing weather of Utah catch you off guard; schedule maintenance and repairs with TriForce as soon as possible. Your home should be comfortable, no matter the season. Get a free quote or schedule a service by filling out our contact form today!