When most people notice water under their air conditioner, they don’t even think twice. After all, what’s the harm in a little water? Unfortunately, an AC that leaks water needs help. Learn more about the reasons an air conditioner in Port Richey might leak water and find out why you should call for air conditioning repair.
Differentiating Between Normal and Abnormal Leakage
A few drops of water falling from your air conditioner isn’t cause for concern. One or two leaks are often caused by the heat or humidity, and the sun should be enough to evaporate that water. However, a pool of water or anything more than a few drops is a sign of trouble.
Once you notice excessive water leaking from your AC, you need to act quickly. Several common issues result in leaking water, and all of them require you to call for air conditioning repair near me. Your water woes could be from any of the following:
- Dirty Filters
To keep dust and dirt from entering your home, your AC has a filter. As the days go by, your filter becomes dirtier and dirtier. Your air conditioner needs to work hard to push the air past a dirty filter.
If your filter remains unchanged for too long, the evaporator coils freeze up. Water spills indoors, and your system isn’t far from failing. You can prevent this from occurring by changing out your filters once every three months or even more frequently. - Damage to the Condensate Tray
The condensate tray, or drip pan, is responsible for collecting condensed water from your AC. But where does the water come from? As the air conditioner cools, it absorbs heat and moisture from inside your home. The refrigerant in the evaporator coil absorbs the heat, and moisture drips into the drain pan.
Typically made of metal, the tray has the potential to rust or experience other damage. When that happens, water escapes the pan and results in a leak. Out of all the potential repairs you could need, this is one of the easiest. - Blockage in the Drainpipe
Your drainpipes allow water to flow from the unit, but they can develop clogs. Whether from algae or debris, these clogs prevent the water from escaping promptly. Instead, it sits in the drain pan and begins to leak. Many HVAC systems have a failsafe that shuts the AC off when the drain pan is too full.
The only way to stop the leaking or get your AC back in working order is to fix the clog. However, this is difficult to do on your own. You can call a professional to remove the clog from the line, which allows water to escape from the drain pan. - Improper Installation
If you recently installed or serviced your AC, the leak could be from the HVAC technician. Shoddy workmanship could cause the system to leak.
Usually, the leak is from a gap between the unit and the condensate pan. It may alternatively be from an exposed drainpipe. Either way, you should consider calling a different company to handle your HVAC system.
You can prevent this from occurring by using a reputable company for your HVAC installation or service. Take your time researching companies and hire someone who stands behind their work. If you choose a company with a warranty, you can call them back to fix any issues from faulty installation without paying out of pocket. - Low Refrigerant
As the refrigerant in your AC depletes, the pressure in your system drops, and the evaporator coils could freeze over. When the ice on the coil melts, the water forms a puddle.
By receiving regular maintenance, you can ensure your refrigerant levels are always correct. And if you suspect a leak in the system, call for help immediately. The refrigerant is harmful to the environment and toxic.
It’s worth mentioning that you could confuse a refrigerant leak with a water leak. If you have high electric bills or an AC that doesn’t cool well, you could have a refrigerant leak.
What Should You Do?
As soon as you notice water near your AC, consider the cause of it. Is it possible someone spilled something in the area? Was there a car leaking fluids on that spot? If there is no logical and obvious explanation, you need to call for assistance.
Before you call, do some troubleshooting on your own. Pull out your filters and check them for grime. Are they dirty? If so, replace the filters and run your AC. This could resolve your issues.
It’s also useful to check the drainpipes. In some cases, you might notice a blockage. Depending on the location of the blockage, you might be able to remove it. Clogs deep in the drain line requires professional tools. Furthermore, frequent clogs are a sign your drainpipe needs to be shortened.
Prevention is Key
Most of the issues that cause leaking water are easy to prevent. If you receive regular maintenance, you can keep your system running smoothly. Every few months, a technician can freshen up your HVAC and look for problems.
With maintenance, your AC is more reliable and less likely to leak. You experience other benefits, like lower energy bills and a decreased need for repairs. When you call your HVAC company, ask about their maintenance contracts.
Call for Help with Your Air Conditioning Repair
On your own, you can’t accurately diagnose and fix your AC. You might be able to guess what’s wrong with it, but you can’t be certain. For the best results, call in someone you trust.
Leaking water is more than just an inconvenience. For instance, the water could cause property damage or pest infestations. Many local pests are attracted to areas of high moisture, so a leaking AC will make your home a target. There’s also the fact that your leak could lead to a more costly repair in Port Richey.
When you need air conditioning repair, call us at Comfort All-Stars. We’re ready to help you.
