An air conditioner is necessary for many homes during the hot and muggy summer months. Finding out that your air conditioner leaks water into your house can be frustrating. This can be a hassle, damaging water and potentially dangerous mould growth.
Fortunately, there are several typical reasons why AC leaks occur and several do-it-yourself fixes you can try before hiring a pro.
We’ll examine the potential causes of your AC’s internal water leak in this article post, along with step-by-step instructions on how to fix an air conditioner.
How To Fix an Air Conditioner That Is Leaking Water?
During the sweltering summer months, air conditioners are crucial to maintaining comfort in our homes and workplaces. On the other hand, a leaky air conditioner can seriously harm your home, raise energy costs and get your e-bill high.
Take immediate action if you see water collecting around your air conditioner to stop further damage and ensure it operates properly.
Following are some actions you can take to stop an AC unit from leaking:
1. Turn off the AC: The air conditioner must be turned off and unplugged from the power source. This will shield your property from additional water damage and safeguard you from electric shocks.
2. Check the condensate drain line: A clogged drain line is the most typical reason for an air conditioner leak. The condensate drain line is in charge of transferring the condensation that is produced by your air conditioner outside or into a drain away from the unit.
The drain line may eventually become clogged due to the accumulation of dirt, dust, and other debris. Discover the drain pipe and remove the cap to see if the condensate drain line is clogged. Drain lines are not clogged if water flows out freely. The drain line is probably clogged if little to no water or only a little water is released.
3. Condensate drain line cleaning: To clean a clogged condensate drain line, try flushing it with warm water and vinegar or bleach. Alternatively, you can vacuum any debris in the drain line using a wet/dry vacuum. Chemical drain cleaners must be avoided because they can harm the drain line.
4. Examine the air filter: A clogged filter can contribute to water leaking from your air conditioner. The evaporator coils may freeze if the air filter is clogged, resulting in excessive condensation and water buildup. Remove the air filter from the air conditioner and hold it to the light to see if it needs cleaning. It is time to replace the filter if you cannot see through it.
5. Examine the evaporator coil: It is the evaporator coil that removes heat and moisture from the air. If the coil is dirty or damaged, it can cause excess condensation and water buildup.
To check the evaporator coil, remove the access panel on your air conditioner and inspect the loop for any signs of dirt, debris, or damage. You can clean the coil with a soft-bristled brush and a coil cleaner if the coil is dirty. However, if the coil is damaged, it must be replaced.
6. Call a professional: It’s time to call in a professional if you’ve tried all these solutions and your air conditioner is still dripping. A qualified HVAC technician can identify and fix an air conditioner with any problems due to their experience and training.
Your property may suffer significant harm from a leaking air conditioner, and your energy costs may rise. Take immediate action if you see water collecting around your air conditioner.
You can find the source of the leak and take the necessary measures to address the problem by adhering to the above-described steps. Regular maintenance can prevent leaks and ensure your air conditioner operates effectively.
What Causes An AC To Leak Water Inside?
An air conditioner removes warm air from a space and uses refrigerant to cool it down. The warm air is expelled outside while the cooled air is circulated back into space.
However, an air conditioner may produce condensation during this process, which usually drains from the appliance and away from your house. Water accumulating inside your home close to the air conditioner is probably the result of an AC leak.
Here are a few typical reasons why an AC might be leaking water inside:
1. Clogged Drain Line:
A clogged drain line is one of the most frequent reasons an AC leaks water internally. In the drain line, dirt, dust, and other debris may build up over time, obstructing proper water drainage. This could result in water backing up into the appliance and overflowing, which would cause water damage inside your house.
You can attempt to resolve this problem by sucking the debris out of the drain line using a wet/dry vacuum. You can also use a wire brush or a pipe cleaner to remove stubborn clogs.
2. Dirty Air Filter:
A dirty air filter may also be to blame for an AC’s internal water leak. The unit has to work harder than usual when the air filter is clogged because it restricts airflow to the device.
As a result, your home may experience excessive condensation that overflows and leaks. To avoid this, your air filter must be changed frequently, usually every 30 to 90 days, depending on usage.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels:
The evaporator coil may freeze if the refrigerant in your air conditioner is low. When the coil defrosts, extra condensation may be produced, overflowing and leaking into your house. Calling a professional to identify and resolve the problem is best if you suspect low refrigerant levels are the root of your AC leak.
4. Damaged Condensate Pan:
The condensation produced by the air conditioner must be collected in the condensate pan before being drained outside. Your home may experience water leaks if the condensate pan is cracked, rusted, or otherwise damaged. Sometimes, a damaged condensate pan may need to be replaced by a professional.
5. Improper Installation:
Water can leak into your home if your air conditioner is not installed correctly. This may occur if the appliance is tipped improperly or if the drain line is not set up at the proper angle. It’s best to call a professional to inspect the AC and perform any necessary repairs if you suspect it was not installed correctly.
Also, Check out how to fix a noisy Air Conditioner without an expert's help.
Tips To Prevent Your Air Conditioner From Leaking Water Inside:
In particular, an air conditioner is an essential part of your home during the sweltering summer months. However, a leaky air conditioner can seriously harm your home, leading to structural harm and mould development.
You can adhere to a few guidelines to fix an air conditioner from dripping water into your house.
1. Regular maintenance: Scheduling routine appointments with a licensed HVAC technician is one of the best ways to stop air conditioner leaks.
Your unit can be examined, the coils cleaned, the air filter changed, and any wear and tear can be looked for. Your air conditioner will operate more effectively with regular maintenance, lowering the possibility of leaks.
2. Clean the air filter: A dirty air filter can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, leading to excess condensation and water buildup. Because of this, it’s imperative to clean or replace your air filter regularly. According to usage, experts advise replacing your air filter every one to three months.
3. Keep the area around the unit clear: Make sure the area around your air conditioner is free of any materials, such as leaves and other debris. This permits proper airflow and stops debris from entering the appliance and damaging it.
4. Insulate the air ducts: Insulating the air ducts lowers the possibility of leaks by preventing condensation and moisture buildup. Insulation also helps your air conditioner run more efficiently, reducing energy costs.
5. Check for proper installation: Your air conditioner must be installed correctly to avoid leaks. Ensure the appliance is installed levelly, the drain line is joined properly and slopes downward to allow for adequate drainage.
You can avoid expensive repairs and property damage by preventing air conditioner leaks. Regular maintenance, cleaning the air filter, clearing the condensate drain line, keeping the area around the unit clear, insulating the air ducts, and checking for proper installation are all effective ways to prevent leaks.
Following these tips ensures that your air conditioner works efficiently and keeps your home cool and comfortable.
Conclusion:
Having to deal with an air conditioner leak can be annoying and expensive. You can avoid this issue altogether if you have the correct information and take the appropriate precautions.
Effective methods to fix an air conditioner include routine maintenance, cleaning the air filter, clearing the condensate drain line, maintaining a clear area around the unit, insulating the air ducts, and verifying proper installation.
Using the advice in this article, you can maintain your air conditioner’s effectiveness and save yourself the hassle of dealing with water damage or repairs. Keeping your air conditioner in good working order requires prevention, so take the time to follow these tips and keep your house cool and comfortable all year long.
