Summer is in full swing, meaning air conditioners run all day long! Like most people, you probably don’t think about your AC until it starts making strange noises or leaking water. Leaks can signify a bigger problem, so it’s important to address them as soon as possible. So, why is my air conditioner leaking?
How Do Air Conditions Work?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of AC leaks, let’s take a step back and review how air conditioners work. Air conditioners are complex machines that use refrigerants to cool the air in your home. The refrigerant is a volatile liquid that ceases to exist at low temperatures. When it evaporates, all the heat stays around it, ensuring cool air.
The refrigerant is circulated through a closed system of coils and pipes. The coils are inside the AC unit, while the pipes run between the indoor and outdoor units. The coils are filled with a mixture of refrigerant and water. As the refrigerant evaporates, it pulls heat from the coils and water. This process continues until the coils are cool and the air in your home is cooled to the desired temperature.
What Causes Air Conditioner Leaks?
There are several reasons why your AC unit may be leaking water. First, a clogged drain line is responsible for carrying away excess water from coils. If it becomes clogged, water will leak out of the unit.
Another common cause of AC leaks is the evaporator coils. They are responsible for absorbing heat from the air. If frozen, they will no longer be able to absorb heat. This can cause water to leak from the unit.
Lastly, AC leaks can also be caused by a problem with the condenser coils. The condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant. If they become dirty or damaged, they will not be able to release heat properly. This can cause the refrigerant to overheat and eventually leak from the unit.
How to Fix an Air Conditioner Leak
The first step in fixing an AC leak is to determine the source of the leak. If you see water leaking from the unit, start by checking the drain line. You can try flushing it with a garden hose if it is clogged. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the drain line.
If you see water leaking from the coils, you need to thaw them. You can do this by turning off the AC unit and using a hairdryer on the frozen coils. Once they are thawed, you should be able to resume normal operation. If the condenser coils are dirty or damaged, you will need to replace them. This is a more complex repair that should be done by a professional.
Damaged Drain Pan
Another problem that causes an AC leak is a damaged drain pan. The drain pan is responsible for collecting excess water from the coils. If it becomes cracked or broken, water will leak out of the unit. You will need to replace the drain pan if it is damaged.
Broken Float Switch
The float switch is responsible for turning the AC unit off when the water level gets too high. If it becomes broken, the AC unit will continue to run even if the water level is too high. This can cause the unit to overheat and eventually leak. Therefore, you will need to replace the float switch if it is broken.
Broken Condensate Pump
The condensate pump is responsible for pumping water out of the unit. If it becomes broken, water will build up and eventually leak out of the unit. Therefore, you will need to replace the condensate pump if it is broken.
Low Freon Levels
Another common cause of AC leaks is low Freon levels. Freon helps cool the air in your home. If there is not enough of it in the system, it will not be able to evaporate properly. This can cause water to leak from the unit.
Lack of Insulation
If your AC unit is not properly insulated, it will not be able to evaporate the water properly. This can cause water to leak from the unit. Therefore, you made sure that the coils were properly insulated.
Faulty Installation
AC units must be installed properly for them to work properly. If your AC unit is not installed correctly, it will not be able to evaporate the water properly. This can cause water to leak from the unit. Therefore, you need to make sure that the unit is installed by a professional.
Replace Air Filters
One last thing you can do to prevent AC leaks is to replace the air filters. Air filters get dirty over time and can restrict airflow. This can cause the coils to freeze, leading to water leaks. Replacing the air filters will ensure that your AC unit has enough airflow to operate properly. 16x25x1 air filter are at least 20 times more efficient, filter frames are made of beverage board which stays strong humidity and temperature.
How to Maintain Air Conditioners Properly?
Now that you know how to fix an AC leak, you need to learn how to prevent them. The best way to do this is by properly maintaining your AC unit.
One of the most important things you can do is regularly clean the coils. The coils can become dirty over time and must be cleaned periodically. You can clean the coils yourself with a brush or hire a professional to do it for you.
Another important thing you can do is to check the Freon levels regularly. If the Freon levels get too low, it can cause water leaks. So you should have a professional check the Freon levels every year.
Lastly, it would help if you replaced the air filters regularly. Air filters can become clogged with dirt and dust, restricting airflow. This can cause the coils to freeze, leading to water leaks. It would help if you replaced the air filters every few months.
Summary
Regardless of the cause of your AC leak, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. Leaks can lead to further damage and decreased efficiency. If you’re unsure how to fix the problem, contact a professional for help. They will be able to diagnose the problem and provide you with the best solution.
