Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water Inside?
Most people feel worried when they notice water coming out of their air conditioner. While a small trickle should not cause alarm, it is best to get your air conditioner checked out. This way, you can find any AC unit problems at their earliest stages. Now, an air conditioner leaking water inside is something you should always pay attention to. This article discusses the most common causes behind water coming out of a cooling system. It also includes the steps you can take to keep your air conditioner problems from worsening.
How & Why Water Forms in Your Air Conditioner
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It is normal for working air conditioners to form water. After all, an air conditioner pulls the outside air, which then passes through the evaporator coils. The coils are filled with cold refrigerant to draw the heat from the air and cool it. This causes water condensation on the coils, forming water droplets on their surface. Some moisture helps keep the coils cool, but the rest of the water is removed through a drainage tube at the air conditioner’s back.
An air conditioner that generates water indicates that your unit works the way it should. As a matter of fact, it should be concerning if your air conditioner doesn’t produce water while it is on. This can be because of a problem, such as the water draining somewhere where it’s not supposed to, causing the coils to freeze instead.
A working air conditioner can generate up to 6 to 20 gallons per day. Humid weather will only increase the amount of water the unit produces. It can be a problem if your unit produces too much water, causing the area to flood.
How Do I Know If My Air Conditioner Is Leaking Water?
Water should only come out of the water drain at the back of your air conditioner. Anywhere else should be considered an obvious sign that your cooling unit is leaking water. For example, there could be water pooling under the air conditioner or you may see water dripping down the wall where the air conditioner is installed. Take note of where you noticed the water so you can determine if something is wrong.
Causes For An Air Conditioner That Is Leaking Water
Finding out the likely cause of the leak is the next step. Here are several common reasons:
Clogged Air Conditioner Drain Line
Air conditioners are equipped with a drain pipe or hose. This drain line component is responsible for draining the water out of the drain pan. It does so by pushing the excess water from the air conditioner outside. However, older cooling units tend to develop sludge and debris on their drain pipe’s inner walls. As a result, the water is blocked, and the water pools in the drain pan. This is likely the reason for the leak, especially if you notice that your drain pan gets full every time your air conditioner switches on.
Dirty Air Conditioner Air Filter
Dirty air filters are caused by infrequent HVAC air filter replacements and an old air conditioner. Dirty air filters stop proper airflow in your air conditioner. This traps moisture inside, and the moisture then turns into ice crystals on coils and air filters. These ice crystals thaw and leak out of the drain pan as your air conditioner keeps running.
Low Air Conditioner Refrigerant Levels
If you notice that your home isn’t cooling as it did before, even with the same settings, it may be because of low refrigerant levels. This issue leads to water leaks because it causes pressure loss inside the air conditioner. Reduced pressure can result in frozen coils and a surplus in moisture that will cause drain pan overflow. Another symptom that you have low refrigerant or a refrigerant leak is you hear a hissing sound from your air conditioner when you turn it on. Call a professional HVAC technician if you spot these signs.
Air Conditioner Has a Leaking Or Full Drain Pan
A full drain pan can overflow. An air conditioner can drain as much as 20 gallons of water a day during the summer, especially on highly humid days. Remove the drain pan plug so the water can flow out. You might have a damaged or leaky drain pan as well. Drain pans can rust or crack as time passes. Inspect your drain pan for damage if you have an air conditioner that’s several years old.
Ice On Air Conditioner Evaporator Coils
Ice formation on the evaporator coils happens because of condensation that doesn’t have anywhere else to go. This can be due to dirty air filters that keep the air from passing through the cooling system. This causes ice to form and melt, leaking water into the drain pan.
Broken Air Conditioning Condensate Pump
Some air conditioning models have condensate pumps. This component forces water to the outside. If you suddenly see unusual leaks and your unit has a condensate pump, this could be the culprit. Hire an HVAC expert to carry out a pump repair or replacement.
Incorrect Air Conditioner Installation
Faulty air conditioner installation is an often-overlooked reason for air conditioner water leaks. For instance, water can flow out if the outside AC unit isn’t placed on a level surface. Water may fill unevenly in the overflow tub as well. This results in water spilling and leaking before the tub gets full. If you have a window cooling unit, it may be angled down, so the water leaks inside. The unit needs to be tilted back a bit so the water can drain to the back. Improper installation can also cause leaks in your relatively new air conditioner. Have a professional HVAC installation team help you to prevent problems like these from occurring in the first place.
Work with a Professional HVAC Contractor
Leave air conditioner installation, maintenance, and repair in the capable hands of HVAC professionals to avoid common AC problems. Proper installation can save you from a lot of hassle down the line. Aside from being assured of proper system installation, you also receive benefits such as a professional warranty, quality units and components, and correct after-sales support. This way, your air conditioner is well taken care of, and you get optimum performance.
Conclusion
Air conditioner problems are bound to happen, especially as your HVAC system ages. It is crucial that you know how to spot early problem signs of an air conditioner, like leaks. This will help you quickly return your unit to good working condition. Professional support can also help you optimize your air conditioner’s function, extend its lifespan, and ensure you have a comfortable home, whether it be during the summer or winter.
Call Point Bay Fuel For All Of Your HVAC Needs
For high-quality HVAC services in Ocean and Monmouth County, New Jersey, do not hesitate to call Point Bay Fuel. Our team of professionally certified and highly skilled technicians can perform excellent heating and cooling installations, replacements, repairs, maintenance, and more. Our friendly techs are equipped with years of experience and extensive knowledge to service your HVAC system correctly.
Point Bay Fuel offers highly competitive HVAC service prices in the area. Our tune-up services can enhance indoor air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency while reducing your home’s heating and cooling bills. We can recommend the best, and most budget-friendly HVAC repair or replacement system should you need one for your home. We back all of our work with a guarantee. Call Point Bay Fuel today to book a service appointment. We offer in-home estimates.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!