Is water leaking from your AC unit in Coralville, IA? This common issue can lead to potential damage and costly repairs. So what can you do to fix it? How can you prevent it from happening?
Let’s look at the seven primary causes of AC leaks. From clogged drain lines to dirty filters, understanding these issues can help you prevent and fix leaks.
1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line
One of the common AC leak causes is a clogged condensate drain line. This drain line removes the moisture your air conditioner pulls from the air.
Over time, dirt, debris, mold, and algae can build up inside the line. When the drain line is clogged, water has nowhere to go and starts to back up. This leads to water leaking from your AC unit. You might notice puddles around the unit or water damage near it.
To fix this issue, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to clear the clog. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, call a professional. Regular maintenance can help prevent clogs and keep your AC running efficiently.
Cleaning the drain line every few months is a good practice to avoid leaks and other issues.
2. Dirty Air Filters
Dirty air filters are another common cause of air conditioner water problems. Air filters are crucial for trapping dust, dirt, and other particles, keeping your air clean.
When these filters get dirty, they block airflow to the evaporator coil. This lack of airflow can cause the coil to freeze. Once the ice on the coil melts, it can overflow the drain pan, leading to leaks. To prevent this, check and replace your air filters regularly.
Most manufacturers recommend doing this every one to three months. If you have pets or allergies, you might need to replace them more often.
Regularly changing your filters helps maintain good airflow and prevents the evaporator coil from freezing. This simple maintenance step can save you from dealing with water damage and ensure your AC unit runs smoothly.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels can also cause water leaking from your AC unit in Coralville. Refrigerant is essential for cooling the air in your home.
When levels are low, the pressure in your AC system drops. This can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Once the coil starts to defrost, the excess water can overflow the drain pan and leak.
You might notice a hissing sound, which can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. To fix this problem, you’ll need to call a professional technician.
They can find and repair the leak and recharge the refrigerant to the correct level. Regular maintenance checks can help catch these issues early, preventing leaks and keeping your AC running efficiently.
Low refrigerant levels not only cause leaks but also reduce your AC’s cooling ability, making your home less comfortable.
4. Broken Condensate Pump
A broken condensate pump can be another reason for water leaking from your AC unit. The condensate pump is responsible for moving water from the drain pan to the outside of your home. If the pump fails, the water collects in the pan and eventually overflows, causing leaks.
You might notice water pooling around the indoor unit or even damp spots on nearby walls or floors. To fix this issue, you’ll need to check if the pump is receiving power and functioning correctly.
If it’s not, the pump might need repairing or replacing. Regular maintenance can help spot problems early before they lead to leaks. Make sure to test the condensate pump periodically, especially during peak usage seasons.
5. Improper Installation
Improper installation can often lead to water leaking from your AC unit. When an air conditioner is not installed correctly, it can cause several problems that result in leaks. One common issue is an incorrectly sloped drain line.
The drain line needs to be at the right angle to allow water to flow out of the unit properly. If the slope is wrong, water can back up and overflow.
Other installation errors, like poor sealing around the unit or incorrect connections, can also cause leaks. It’s important to have your AC unit installed by a qualified professional to avoid these issues.
If you suspect your unit was not installed correctly, it’s a good idea to have it inspected.
6. Faulty Evaporator Coil
A faulty evaporator coil can also cause water leaking from your AC unit. The evaporator coil plays an important role in cooling the air by absorbing heat and humidity. If the coil becomes damaged or dirty, it can freeze.
When it thaws, the excess water may overflow the drain pan and cause leaks. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the evaporator coil in good condition.
Cleaning the coil and checking for signs of wear can prevent it from freezing. If you notice your AC is not cooling effectively or you see water around the unit, the evaporator coil could be the problem.
7. High Humidity Levels
High humidity levels can also cause water leaking from your AC unit. When the air is very humid, your AC has to work harder to remove the moisture. This can overwhelm the system, leading to excess water in the drain pan.
If the pan cannot handle the extra water, it can overflow and cause leaks. Managing humidity levels in your home can help prevent this issue. Consider using a dehumidifier. It can reduce the amount of moisture your AC needs to process.
If you live in an area with high humidity, consider having your AC system inspected more often. Regularly checking the drain pan and keeping it clean can also help prevent AC leaks.
Water Leaking From Your AC Unit
Regular maintenance and timely checks can prevent water leaking from your AC unit. Make sure your home stays cool and dry by staying proactive about your AC’s health and performance.
At Absolute Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning in Coralville, IA, we’ve been delivering top-quality heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services since 2006. Our licensed and bonded team specializes in HVAC installations, replacements, and maintenance plans.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your HVAC system!
