When you notice water leaking from your AC, you should always find the cause and severity of the leak as soon as possible. If left alone, AC leaks can cause water damage in your home and high AC repair costs. It’s crucial to correct this error as soon as possible to avoid secondary problems.
There are a number of things that can lead to an AC leak. Mission AC & Plumbing is here to discover the root of the issue! To help you determine if your leaking unit is in need of an AC repair, an AC tune-up or a simple at-home fix, here are some common causes of AC leaks and how to fix them.
Causes Of Air Conditioning Leaks
No home system is perfect, not even your air conditioner! Your unit may experience problems that cause water to appear around it. A professional technician can perform repairs to stop a leak before it becomes severe.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
Over time, your AC’s condensate drain line can become clogged with dirt or mold. When this happens, the water caused by the condensation inside your AC is prevented from leaving your home. This leads to excess water that overflows your AC’s drain pan and pools onto your floor.
A simple way to avoid this is to pour some vinegar down the drain line every few months. This process will clean out any built-up gunk. However, if your drain line is still clogged after using vinegar, you may want to call an AC professional to clear the line.
Damaged Drain Pan
If your AC’s drain pan has rust, cracks or holes, water will fall right through it and leak out of the AC before it can reach the drain line. When dealing with damaged drain pans, it’s always safer to have them replaced instead of trying to patch them up yourself. A professional may be able to conduct repairs to salvage the pan, avoiding potential replacement costs.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
A dirty air filter can prevent airflow from reaching an AC’s evaporator coil. When this happens, the lack of warm air causes the coil to freeze. The ice will eventually melt, leading to an overflow of water in the unit. To avoid this, you can change your AC’s air filter regularly. Professionals recommend replacing this component every one to three months to protect your system.
When you experience frozen coils, turn off the unit immediately. It’s best to give the ice time to melt before operating the machinery again. Allow 24 hours for the coils to unfreeze. If the problem persists, you should contact a technician for assistance.
Inside AC Leaks vs. Outside AC leaks
There are a few measures you can take to prevent your indoor unit from leaking. Clearing your vents with a vacuum cleaner or duster can remove debris, allowing air to circulate. You can also regularly inspect the machinery for signs of wear and tear.
If you notice water by your drain line outside your home, that might be a sign that your AC is overworked due to high outdoor temperatures and humidity. Maintaining your system will prevent breakdowns and other issues, such as leaking. You can combat this problem by clearing leaves and other debris away from your outdoor unit.
Reliable Air Conditioning Repair In Houston
Mission AC & Plumbing prioritizes your safety and comfort above all else. As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of maintaining cool temperatures inside your Texas home. Contact us today to beat the heat by scheduling your next AC repair service!
