Top Reasons Your Air Conditioner Is Leaking Water

If you’ve noticed water pooling around your air conditioning unit, you’re not alone. A leaking air conditioner is a common issue that many homeowners and business owners experience, especially during the hot summer months when their AC units are working overtime. While some moisture around your AC system is normal, excessive water leakage could be a sign that something isn’t working as it should.

At Advanced Cooling, we’ve been providing professional heating and cooling solutions in Texas and Oklahoma since 2001. With over two decades of experience, we’ve seen it all when it comes to AC issues, including water leakage. In this article, we’ll explain the top reasons why your air conditioner might be leaking water and how you can prevent it from turning into a more serious problem.

Clogged Condensate Drain Line

One of the most common reasons for water leakage from an air conditioner is a clogged condensate drain line. The condensate drain is responsible for removing the moisture that builds up during the cooling process. As warm air passes over the evaporator coils, the coils cool the air and remove humidity, which condenses into water. This water is then channeled away from the system via the condensate drain.

Over time, algae, mold, dirt, and debris can accumulate inside the drain line, causing a blockage. When the drain is clogged, the water can’t exit the system properly and begins to back up. As a result, water can leak from the air handler or drip from the system, potentially damaging your floors, walls, or ceiling.

Solution: Regular maintenance of your air conditioning system, including cleaning the condensate drain line, can help prevent this issue. If you notice water pooling near your AC unit, contact a professional HVAC technician to clear the drain line and ensure it’s functioning properly.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Another common cause of water leakage is frozen evaporator coils. When your air conditioner is running, the evaporator coils absorb heat from the air inside your home or business. However, if the coils become too cold and freeze, they can prevent proper condensation drainage, causing the ice to melt and leak water once the coils thaw.

Frozen evaporator coils can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Poor airflow: Clogged air filters, blocked vents, or dirty coils can restrict airflow over the evaporator coils, leading to freezing.
2. Low refrigerant levels: If your AC system is low on refrigerant, the evaporator coils can’t absorb heat properly, causing the coils to freeze.
3. Thermostat issues: If the thermostat is malfunctioning and causing the system to run continuously, the evaporator coils may freeze.

Solution: To prevent frozen evaporator coils, ensure that your air filters are clean, the refrigerant levels are adequate, and the thermostat is set properly. If your coils have already frozen, turn off the AC unit and contact a technician for inspection and repairs.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels can not only cause your AC system to freeze, but they can also lead to water leakage. When the refrigerant is low, the evaporator coils may get too cold and freeze up, which can cause excessive water buildup when the ice melts. Additionally, low refrigerant means your AC is not operating efficiently, leading to even more significant issues down the line.

Low refrigerant levels are often caused by leaks in the refrigerant lines, which need to be addressed immediately. A slow refrigerant leak can result in an ongoing drop in refrigerant levels, which further exacerbates the problem of water leakage and can eventually cause the system to break down entirely.

Solution: If you suspect that your refrigerant is low, you should call a professional HVAC technician to check the levels and inspect for any leaks. Fixing leaks and recharging the refrigerant will restore your system’s performance and prevent further issues with water leakage.

Dirty Air Filters

Air filters play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency of your air conditioner. They trap dirt, dust, and other debris, preventing them from circulating through the system. However, when air filters become dirty or clogged, they restrict airflow to the evaporator coils, causing the coils to freeze and leading to water leakage once the ice melts.

In addition to causing frozen coils, dirty filters also put unnecessary strain on your AC unit, causing it to work harder than necessary and increasing energy consumption.

Solution: Check and replace your air filters regularly—typically every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter and the amount of use. Keeping your filters clean will not only prevent water leakage but also improve your system’s overall efficiency.

Improperly Sized or Installed AC Unit

If your air conditioner is either too large or too small for your space, it can lead to a number of operational issues, including water leakage. An oversized AC unit may cool the air too quickly, resulting in a cycle of on-and-off operation. This can cause excessive condensation buildup and lead to leaks. Conversely, an undersized unit may run continuously without properly cooling the space, which can also cause the evaporator coils to freeze and produce excess water.

Improper installation can also contribute to water leakage if the system is not properly leveled or the condensate drain is not positioned correctly.

Solution: To avoid issues with water leakage, it’s important to have your air conditioning system properly sized and installed by a licensed HVAC professional. If you suspect your unit is the wrong size for your space, a technician can assess your needs and recommend the best system for your home or business.

Broken or Disconnected Drain Pan

The drain pan is responsible for collecting water that drips from the evaporator coils. In some cases, the drain pan may crack or become disconnected, leading to water leaks. A damaged drain pan can cause water to spill over and pool around the AC unit, leading to water damage to your floors and walls.

Solution: Regularly inspect the drain pan for cracks or signs of wear and tear. If the pan is damaged, it will need to be replaced to prevent water leakage.

Conclusion

Water leakage from your air conditioner can be a sign of several underlying issues, ranging from clogged condensate lines to frozen coils and low refrigerant levels. While it may seem like a minor issue at first, untreated water leaks can cause significant damage to your property and lead to costly repairs down the line. The best way to prevent water leakage is to schedule regular maintenance and inspections to keep your AC system in top condition.

At Advanced Cooling, we’ve been serving Texas and Oklahoma with expert heating and cooling solutions since 2001. Our team of professional HVAC technicians is here to help you diagnose and resolve any water leakage issues, ensuring that your AC runs efficiently and keeps you cool all year long. If you notice water pooling around your air conditioner or suspect a problem, don’t hesitate to give us a call!