When the temperature rises to an uncomfortably high level, your first course of action will probably be to turn on the AC.
But when you see your AC unit leaking water, that’s a surefire sign that something is wrong. There could be many different possible causes—some incredibly simple, while others may be much more complicated to resolve.
Contacting our team at Smart Air is the best possible solution to your problem. We have the know-how and the tools needed to find the cause and quickly fix it to ensure that your AC can return to peak efficiency.
But why do air conditioners leak water? This article will go over common causes.
The AC drain line is clogged
The most common answer to why air conditioners leak water is a clog somewhere along the AC’s drain line.
The drain line is what carries condensation (that comes from the process of cooling) out of the air conditioning unit to the outside of your home. While there are many different ways to prevent dirt and debris from entering the drain line, time always leads to wear and tear, creating a risk of inadvertent clogs.
The most common cause of a clogged-up condensate line is a dirty or damaged air filter. Any small openings along the line can leave the unit vulnerable to all kinds of debris. They eventually form a hardened clog, causing condensation to back up and flow out of your air conditioner instead. This then leads to the AC unit leaking water.
The system is running low on refrigerant
Refrigerant is what allows your AC to draw in heat and cool the air in your home. AC units often have a specific volume of this liquid, and if it drops, you’re more than likely going to end up with a leaking AC unit.
Whenever the refrigerant’s volume drops, the AC’s internal pressure does the same. This causes the evaporator coil in the AC to freeze before the ambient heat melts it. Naturally, this leads to an AC unit dripping water.
If you notice an unusual hissing or bubbling, you likely have a refrigerant line leak.
Your air filter is dirty
One of the simplest and easiest answers to “Why is my AC leaking water?” is a dirty air filter. These are often the main cause of quite a few AC problems, from the system leaking water to something far worse.
If you haven’t replaced it in quite some time – or cleaned it, depending on the type – the dirty air filter can cause the AC unit to work harder, resulting in damage over time.
Condensation and your AC unit leaking water are often key signs. A dirty air filter will cause the system to overheat, leading to excess condensation that can cause the drain line (and its pan) to overflow.
Having problems with your AC? Contact Smart Air
These are the most likely causes of a leaking AC unit. One important prevention measure is to make sure you’re replacing your unit’s air filter every month or so depending on its type and the number of occupants in your home.
If you’re already at the point where there’s liquid leaking out from your AC, simply get in touch with our team at Smart Air for help!
