Though record heat isn’t on the menu, Florida will see a hot start to the summer this year. The big question is: is your AC unit ready for it?
Sometimes, answering this question is simple. All you need to do is take a look at your AC and you’ll notice a clear indicator it needs servicing. One particularly common warning sign is your air conditioner leaking water.
Technically, a leaky AC unit can still function. However, its ability to cool down your house will keep getting worse until you fix the issue. Water leakage can also lead to more serious problems, such as compressor failure.
Want to ensure your AC system is ready for a summer in Pensacola Beach? Read on to find out why your AC is leaking and what to do about it!
Clogged Drain Line
During the dehumidification process, your AC’s drain line collects a lot of moisture. Inevitably, it will start collecting dirt and debris as well.
If you don’t clean the drain line regularly, this dirt can accumulate. At some point, it will create a blockage and lead to water collecting in your unit. Most of this water will end up spilling out of the drain pan in your home.
If your unit doesn’t have a cut-off switch, you’ll need to take action yourself. Shut down your AC, then locate your drain pan and empty it. If you notice mold growth, use a bleach solution to clean it.
Now take a long wire brush and use it to scrub the drain line. To confirm it’s clean, pour water into it and ensure it flows out at the other end. If the line is still clogged, you’ll need to use a special pump or vacuum.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils can freeze up due to blocked airflow and refrigerant leaks. Again, this will often lead to the AC pan leaking.
The first thing to do here is find the source of the problem. Check the air filters, ducts, return vents, and fin coils. With some luck, cleaning them will restore airflow and prevent the unit from freezing up.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, your AC may be low on refrigerant. This is very common if there’s a refrigerant leak. This causes the coils to get cold and creates ice formations, which then melt and drip from the AC.
Refrigerant leaks likely aren’t an issue you can fix yourself. Instead, have an HVAC technician take a look at your unit. AC companies can identify the cause of the leak, repair it, and refill the refrigerant levels.
Condensation Buildup
Condensation is a normal part of the dehumidifying process. Still, excess condensation buildup can cause your unit’s vents or air ducts to leak.
One common cause of condensation buildup is warm air reaching the cold surface of air ducts. This often occurs if the air ducts aren’t insulated well. The same happens if your ductwork passes through a poorly insulated attic.
Clogged ducts and air filters can also cause leakage. Anything that stops the air from circulating through the system will create excess condensation. In places like Pensacola Beach, this is a common occurrence in the summer.
The best solution for this issue is to insulate your ductwork. If it’s already insulated, check for damage and repair it as soon as possible.
Damaged Drain Pan
If there’s no excess condensation, the drain pan will prevent the unit from leaking. It does so by directing the water into the drain line.
Now, there’s a chance your drain pan will be rusty or damaged. Both scenarios will prevent moisture from traveling into the drain line. That said, there’s a big difference in how you should handle them.
First, pour some water into the drain pan to identify cracks. If you see any, patch them with a water-resistant sealant. You can test if the repair was successful by pouring down the water again.
If your AC unit is about 20 years old, the drain pan is more likely to be rusty. The more it corrodes over time, the more water it will leak. In this case, your best bet is to replace the rusted drain pan with a new one.
Broken Condensate Pump
Is your AC unit in a hard-to-reach place, such as a basement or attic? If so, the water may not flow out of the drain line as easily as you think.
This is where the condensate pump comes in. When the water level in the pump reservoir rises, it turns the float switch on. This will trigger the condensate pump to drain the excess water out of your home.
As you can guess, there are two potential issues here. Namely, the pump itself may break and the float switch may malfunction. In both cases, the water will accumulate and start spilling from the AC unit.
This is another issue you’re unlikely to fix yourself. Your best option is to google “AC repair near me” and have an HVAC technician come over.
Poor AC Installation
If you’ve installed your AC recently and it’s already dripping water, it may have been poorly installed. There are several ways this may happen.
For starters, the unit and its drain pipes may not be proportional. This would disrupt the flow of water from the drain pan, creating leaks. The same occurs when your AC unit isn’t leveled according to its type.
See, a central AC unit must be on a flat surface. If this isn’t the case, you can solve the issue with an AC pad, which also prevents vibrations. Meanwhile, window AC units should usually be tilted slightly backward.
Of course, the easiest way to avoid this problem is to have your AC installed by reliable professionals in the first place.
Is Your Air Conditioner Leaking? Fix It Today!
The bottom line: if you notice your air conditioner leaking, you should act quickly. Most issues listed above can lead to component failure and mold growth, not to mention damage to your walls and ceilings.
Looking for an HVAC technician in Pensacola Beach, FL? At All Seasons Service Network, we offer exceptional professionalism and customer service. Get an AC repair free estimate right now — we’re available 24/7!