Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
8/23/2019 (Permalink)
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking?
Even though summer is winding down, hot temperatures will persist and our air conditioning units will continue to work hard throughout the coming months. With this constant use, you may find evidence of water leaking from your home’s air conditioning unit. Although a small leak may not appear to be a cause for concern, malfunctioning air conditioning units and the persistent leaking that they can cause can lead to serious damage. Such damage often includes water damage, which can range from the growth of mold or bacteria to structural damage including ceilings caving in. There are many reasons as to why air conditioning units leak, but a clogged drain line, improper installation, and frozen coils account for the majority.
When rust, debris, or dirt accumulate inside of your air conditioner’s drain line, it can clog, causing the drain pan to overflow. Overflowing of the drain pan can result in water leaking onto nearby objects, such as walls, ceilings, carpets, and floors. You may also experience leaking if your AC unit was installed improperly, leading to an insufficient fitting of the drain pipe. When its connection is not secure, the drain pipe can loosen and potentially disconnect from the unit, causing water to leak. Lastly, when AC units are working overtime during the summer, your unit’s filter can become dirty and clogged if not replaced regularly. With a clogged filter, ice can form in the evaporator coils and when that ice melts, your air conditioner can leak. In order to prevent your AC unit from leaking, it is crucial that you replace your air filter regularly.
You may be wondering: what should I do if my AC unit leaks? If you notice a leak, immediately turn off your air conditioner and call a professional. A professional can also install a switch that will automatically shut off the unit in the event of a dirty air filter or clogged condensate line, preventing leaks before they become an issue.