In the scorching summer months of Sandy, UT, air conditioning is essential to keep your home cool and comfortable. However, an issue you might come across at some point is water leaking from your AC unit. A frustrating AC water leak can signal a bigger problem with your system’s functioning. The leak can also cause water damage to your home if left unaddressed. This piece will explore the common causes of AC water leaks, what you should do, and additional tips.
Leaks in Common AC Types
Various types of air conditioning systems can be found in a Sandy home. Depending on the type of AC you have, the potential points where it can leak may vary.
Central Air Conditioners
The most common AC type found in homes is a central air conditioner. Central ACs blow cooled air through a series of ducts and into the rooms of your home. Water leaks typically occur in central air systems around the condensate drain line and indoor evaporator coil.
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-splits are gaining in popularity because of their flexibility and increased energy efficiency. Mini-split systems consist of a primary outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor blower units mounted in different areas of the home. Instead of ductwork, refrigerant lines connect indoor units to outdoor units. With mini-splits, the water leaks typically occur at one of the indoor units. Water leaks can come from the vents or other parts of the interior unit housing.
Heat Pump Systems
Heat pump systems are flexible because they can provide both cooling and heating. These systems are typically found in areas with moderate climates. While heat pumps work slightly differently than central air systems, the potential leak points are in the same areas. You’ll most likely see a leak occur at the condensate drain line or evaporator coil.
Common AC Water Leak Causes
There are various reasons why an air conditioning system may be leaking water. While some causes of a water leak, like dirty air filters, might be something you can remedy yourself, many of these issues require a professional to fix the underlying problem.
Clogged Air Filter
When air filters get dirty, they can restrict the flow of air over the evaporator coil of your system. When this airflow is restricted, the evaporator coil can get too cold and may freeze. When the ice later melts, this can cause water to overflow your system’s drain pan, causing water leakage. To protect against this issue, you need to regularly change or clean your air filters, depending on the type of system you have. Typically, this should happen once every 30 to 90 days. However, increased usage or environmental factors may require a shorter frequency.
Blocked Air Vents
Blocked air vents can also cause AC issues. Air vents can become obstructed by furniture or items that are in the way. Ensure that all your vents are free of obstructions that could be blocking cool air from freely flowing out of them. You should also ensure your air intake vent or pipe is clear, allowing air to flow into your system.
Condensate Drain Line Problem
The primary purpose of a condensate drain line is to get rid of excess moisture in the system from the cooling process. Over time, this line can get clogged with dirt, mold, or mineral deposits. When the condensate drain line is clogged, water can begin backing up and leaking. Additionally, AC system vibrations can eventually cause this line to loosen or disconnect. If this happens, the water that should be drained can leak into your home.
Rusted or Damaged Drain Pan
The drain pan is the component that collects the moisture dripping off your AC’s evaporator coil. If this pan becomes rusty, developing cracks or holes, this can allow water to leak out of it. If this happens, the drain pan will need to be replaced.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant levels should remain consistent inside your AC system. If refrigerant levels drop, it can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, leading to a potential water leak. If refrigerant levels are low, it can be because your system has a refrigerant leak. In this case, our technician will need to find that leak, seal it, and add refrigerant to bring it back to normal levels.
Improper Installation
If your air conditioning system wasn’t initially installed correctly, the system may not be level. If the system isn’t level, it can cause problems with water drainage. Water can begin to pool in spots, eventually leading to a leak. Ensuring your system is properly installed by a professional HVAC technician can help prevent this issue from occurring.
Malfunctioning Condensate Pump
Some air conditioning systems require the use of a condensate pump. This pump helps to take the collected water and move it outside of the home. If this pump malfunctions, the water won’t have a way to get out and can begin leaking from the AC unit. Fixing the pump should allow the proper removal of collected water and fix the leaking issue.
Thermostat Problems
If a thermostat is malfunctioning, it can lead to frequent on-and-off cycling issues. It can also keep your air conditioning system from running long enough for the air to be properly dehumidified. These issues can cause too much moisture in the system and lead to a water leak.
Improper AC Unit Sizing
Your AC should be the proper size for your home. If your AC is too large for your home, it can lead to the air cooling too quickly without having a chance to dehumidify, causing leaking issues. Conversely, if your unit is too small for your home, it may continuously run while failing to effectively remove excess moisture, also causing leakage issues. Our team can help you determine the appropriate AC size based on the square footage of your home, the number of people living in your home, the ductwork setup, and more.
Professional Service Explained
Although you can check if your air filters need to be changed or your vents are blocked by furniture or other obstructions, in most cases, you likely won’t be able to tell what is causing AC water leaks. It’s essential to contact an HVAC company to have a professional technician look. One of our technicians will examine your system to figure out what the exact cause of the leak is and fix it.
Attempting to diagnose and repair your AC yourself can be dangerous. Without the expertise of a professional technician, it’s difficult to properly diagnose and ensure a lasting repair is done correctly. It can also be unsafe, resulting in injury or damage to your home. You may also void your system’s warranty protection by attempting a DIY repair.
Do you live in Sandy or the surrounding area and need help with your air conditioning system? Main Street Heating & Cooling is happy to offer HVAC services, including installing new heating and cooling systems, upgrading your old system, system maintenance, and system repairs. We can also help ensure your home is safe with indoor air quality testing. Our extensive HVAC services are available to both residential and commercial customers. If you need help with an AC leaking water or have questions about our services, contact Main Street Heating & Cooling for more details.
