How to Fix Air Conditioner Leaking Water? Your air conditioner works hard in Toronto’s summer season. That’s when most homeowners will notice water leaking from their air conditioners. If you wonder what to do about it, you have come to the right place. This article provides reasons why your AC may leak water and how to correct the problem.
Related: Why is my AC not shutting off?
How & Why Water Forms In Your AC Unit?
Modern AC systems have indoor and outdoor units. The indoor unit has an evaporator coil that cools the warm air in your home to create a comfortable indoor temperature for your family. As hot air blows over the coil, condensation forms like water droplets forming on a cold glass of water. The condensation drips into a drain pan and travels through the condensate drain line that leads out of your home. If this is your issue, you have no worries.
However, there are times when an air conditioner leaks water inside the house. If your AC is leaking water inside the house, don’t panic. Here are the reasons why this could happen and how to fix the problem.
Watch this video if your home air conditioner is leaking water! Water running down the inside of the furnace can short circuit the electronics and destroy your AC Unit. The best case is to fix this before it shorts out!
AC Leaking Water Inside Your House
A Clogged Drain Line
A clogged condensate drain line can be one reason for your AC leaking water inside the house. Over time, the condensate drain line may get clogged with dirt, debris, mould, and dust. When the drain line is blocked, the water can’t escape and drain outside the house. Water backs up in the condensate drain line and comes back inside the house.
Use a wet-dry vacuum to remove the debris from the drain line. The vacuum will clear the junk and free the drain line to let water escape outside the house once again. If the wet-dry vacuum doesn’t work, make sure to call a professional HVAC technician to solve the problem. They have the latest powerful vacuums to remove blockages and free up the drain line.
Dirty Air Filter
Did you know that you need to change the air filter of your AC unit every 30 days? A dirty filter forces your AC to work harder, which wears out the components of the system. Besides causing the unit to work harder, a dirty filter can block the evaporator coil’s airflow. When the air gets blocked, the evaporator coil becomes quite cold and freezes as a result.
When the frozen evaporator coil melts, the excess water will cause the drain pan to overflow. You should check the air filter of the AC unit and change it at least once in two months, depending on the filter’s condition. If the air filter is clogged and dirty, it can be a reason for your AC to leak water inside the house.
Low Refrigerant Levels
The pressure inside the AC unit lowers when the volume of refrigerant drops. Low pressure will cause the coil to freeze over time, resulting in a wet mess. When you notice that the AC doesn’t cool your space as it did in the past, make sure to check the refrigerant levels. On the other hand, an unusual bubbling or hissing sound indicates a low refrigerant level and subsequent leaking.
It’s better to spot a water leak in time to repair the damage. If not, you may have to invest in a new AC unit for your home. Preventive maintenance is the best way to spot these problems early on. Make sure a professional HVAC technician inspects your system at the start of every summer to prevent such issues and prolong the lifespan of your system.
Other Reasons For AC Leaks
Is your AC not working properly? There are many other reasons for an AC water leak inside the house. For example, if the unit is too old, it may have a damaged drain pan. If your unit is between 12-15 years old, it may need a new drain pan. Replace the old drain pan and see if it solves the problem.
A broken condensate pump is another reason for an AC water leak inside your home. The condensate pump should be pumping water outside. If your AC has a failed condensate pump, it will no longer pump water outside the house. It would be best to repair or replace the part to prevent water damage to your home.
Whenever you cannot find the actual reason for water leaks from your AC unit, it’s better to get professional help. Do not ignore a leaking AC because it can get out of hand and lead to a potential flood within a few days. Get the unit checked if you can’t find a reason for the leak.
Say Goodbye To A Leaking AC
If you know what causes the water leak in your AC, you could solve the issue yourself most of the time. The pros at Furnace Repair Toronto are ready to help you when you are unsure why the leaks are occurring. It’s easy to correct most AC leaks before they get out of hand with the correct diagnosis. In most cases, you might be able to remedy the problem and enjoy a leak-free cool home all summer.
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