When operating normally, air conditioners remove excess humidity from the air.
This moisture condenses, drips into a pan, and eventually drains. If your A/C is running full blast during the summer months, a few drops of water aren’t any cause for concern (especially for window units). However, if you have water dripping steadily from your air conditioner, or accumulating in a puddle on the floor, then you’ve got a problem.
Whether you call a professional or opt to make the repairs yourself, the first thing you need to do is shut off your A/C system. Running it while it’s leaking water will only make the problem worse, and will reduce the efficiency (and life) of your air conditioner.
What Causes Air Conditioning Leaks?
There are several reasons why your air conditioner might be leaking. Some of the problems are easily diagnosed and fixed, while others may indicate a bigger problem.
Improper Installation
This is a common issue with window units, which are designed to be tilted slightly backwards so that water will flow towards the drain. If your A/C unit was improperly installed, it may be level or even tilting inwardly, causing the water to drip inside the room. An improper seal where the unit goes through the wall can also cause condensation to happen in the wrong place, such as inside your house or outside along the wall. Your best bet is to call a repair person and have them reinstall your unit correctly.
Clogged Drain
Algae and other debris will often accumulate in the pan and clog the drain, causing water to overflow and leak onto the floor. Flushing the drain with water or using a vacuum will usually clean out the clog. However, the drain can be rather difficult to access and attempting to clear the blockage without the proper tools (or experience) could actually make the problem worse. If you are going to attempt the repair yourself, make sure you shut off the power at the breaker to avoid any accidents.
Leaky Drain Pan
If water is flowing through the drain line, but still accumulating around the unit, then the evaporator drain pan could be leaking (or the evaporator coil itself may be unlevel). If this is the case, you should call a technician to come adjust the coil and/or replace the pan if necessary.
Icing Over
If you run your A/C constantly, especially when the temperature outside is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the condensation that accumulates on the coils may freeze into ice. When this ice eventually melts, it leaks out of the air conditioner. You can usually fix this problem by turning off your air conditioner every couple of days to give it a chance to drain. If the problem persists, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Call Donnelly’s today for all your central air conditioning maintenance and AC repair needs! [hls_phone_number] or schedule service online .
