Why Your AC Unit Is Leaking Water & What It Could Mean

Water leaks around air conditioning units are among the most common reasons for HVAC service appointments. It’s natural to be alarmed when you see water leaking from, or pooling around, your air conditioner. When you see this, scheduling a service appointment is the best way to determine whether the cause is innocuous or whether it’s an indication that repairs are required. It’s not a problem you want to ignore, as the water leaking from your air conditioner can drip and drain down walls, causing damage to drywall, woodwork, personal possessions, etc. Some of the reasons your AC may be leaking include:

Dirty Coils 

As dust and grime build up on the evaporator coil, it prevents the flow of condensation from the coil and into the drain pan. As the moisture builds up, it gets trapped and drips down to the floor, where it pools around the air conditioner. If your coils are dirty, a thorough cleaning can resolve the issue.

Low Refrigerant

Low refrigerant levels can cause your evaporator coil to freeze up. Often, the first sign of low refrigerant is diminished system performance. In addition to the water leak, if you notice your air conditioner isn’t cooling as effectively as before, then low-refrigerant levels should be considered. If your system uses R-410A (Puron), or R32, then it is simply a matter of sealing the leak and recharging the system. However, if you have an older R-22 system, you should strongly consider replacing the unit. Not only is R-22 becoming considerably more expensive and difficult to find, but it is less effective. At this point, it is more than likely that the unit is nearing the end of its serviceable life span.

Damaged or Disconnected Drain Line

The drain line can be damaged during the installation process. It may also be improperly connected or suffer damage during landscaping work. Reconnecting the line (or replacing it if damaged) will quickly stop the leak.

Clogged Drain Line or Drain Pan

If you have trees that like to drop leaves around your AC unit, or if you live in a windy area where dirt gets blown around, this debris can create a dam within the drain line or drain pan. Removing the debris will allow the water to drain swiftly through the drain instead of out onto the ground.

Dirty Air Filter

Dirty air filters impede the proper flow of air over your air conditioner’s evaporator coil. This restriction of airflow can cause the evaporator coil to become super cold and freeze. As this happens, frost and ice will build up on the coil. When the frosty buildup begins to melt, the excess water can cause the drain pan to overflow.

Preventative Maintenance Helps Prevent Leaks

The best way to address leaking air conditioners is to stop the leak before it starts. The overwhelming majority of leaks can be corrected during preventative maintenance service appointments. As a general rule, you should have your air conditioner inspected in the spring before the year’s hottest weather rolls over the horizon. For added protection, a second service appointment in the fall can correct any damage, disconnects, worn-out components, or other issues that occurred over the summer.

Schedule AC Repairs With Blind & Sons

Is it time to service your air conditioner? Whether you have air conditioner leaks you want us to inspect or a strange sound you want us to listen to, contact Blind & Sons at (330) 753-7711 to schedule an air conditioner service appointment. We are available 24/7 to provide emergency repairs in Northeast Ohio.