The summer heat is relentless and nothing is more calming than stepping into a cool Air Conditioned room. However, these cooling giants can also malfunction sometimes. One of these malfunctions includes water leakage from Ac units. If you notice water dripping from the air conditioner, you need to address it promptly. Otherwise, it’ll not only cause costly repairs to your HVAC unit but also damage your property such as your walls, and furnishing.
In this article, we’ll explore why AC unit leaks water, and what are effective solutions to fix the water leakage.
Comprehending AC Unit Water Leakage
You need to understand why your AC unit is producing water in the first place. Your AC unit pulls out the warm air from your living space area hence leaving cool air in the room. As warm air is pulled into the system, it passes over the evaporator coil. The moisture in the warm air condenses into water droplets. This water should ideally drain away through a designated drain line, keeping your AC unit dry and efficient. When this doesn’t happen due to some fault in the system, the water starts accumulating at some place causing the water leakage in the Unit.
Common Causes of Water Leakage
Some of the common causes of AC unit water leakage are discussed below:
Clogged Drain Line:
This is caused usually due to poor maintenance of the AC system. Basically, the purpose of the drain is to carry away the condensed water that forms on the evaporator coil during the cooling of warm air. But as time passes, this drain line gets obstructed by several dirt factors such as dust, debris, algae, and sometimes mold. This disrupts the normal flow of water and causes the water to flow in the reverse direction resulting in water leakage. If you don’t get this issue sorted out soon, it can lead to breathing problems and can be a real health threat to asthma patients.
Frozen Evaporator Coil:
This is one of the most common causes of Water Leakage. The evaporator coil is present in your indoor unit and is an important component in the cooling process of your living space. But some factors can lead to water leaking from an indoor unit. First, understand how this evaporator coil works, it is responsible for cooling the air as it passes over it. It cools the indoor air by extracting moisture from the air. But if the evaporator coil becomes excessively cold, it can end up freezing, resulting in the air moisture freezing onto the coil. And when the thawing process begins, it produces a lot of water which swamps the drainage system and causes water leakage.
The frozen evaporator coil can be due to low refrigerant levels or restricted airflow.
Dirty Air Filters:
Air filters are an essential part of your air conditioning system. They are responsible for maintaining indoor air quality by trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. However, over time these filters can get dirty due to excess debris over them. Dirty or clogged air filters restrict the airflow to the evaporator coil. This reduction in airflow leads to the freezing of the evaporator coil and when that ice starts to melt due to temperature change, it results in water leakage. So, if you see water leaking from an indoor unit, clogged air filters can be the reason.
Improper Installation:
Sometimes your newly installed air conditioner can malfunction and show water leakage. It is because of no other reason than the wrong installation. If the unit is not leveled correctly, it can affect the proper drainage of condensed water. Likewise, if the drainage system is not set up right during installation, it can also result in water leakage due to inadequate drainage.
Low Refrigerant Levels:
Your AC unit’s regular maintenance also includes keeping a check on refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a gas that causes the air to be cooled down in your AC System. Low refrigerant levels are usually due to leaks in the system, corrosion, or poor AC installation. They freeze your evaporator coil and cause water leakage during the melting of the frozen water. If not fixed on time, these can be a real health hazard and can be proved fatal. Some of the signs of leaking refrigerant are bubbling noises from your unit, iced coils, or water leaks.
Solutions for AC Unit Water Leakage
The problems that we discussed above have their solutions. Even though you can attempt some of these solutions by yourself, it is still advised to call an expert technician to fix the problem so that it won’t reoccur in the long run.
Unclog the Drain Line:
You can unclog the blocked drain line by clearing the blockage. You can start by locating the drain line near your indoor unit or evaporator coil. You can use a long wire brush to remove all the debris from the line. However, if it’s severely clogged, then you should call a certified technician to clean the drain. They have special vacuum cleaners designed for the sole purpose of cleaning the drain lines.
After getting it cleaned, you can flush the drain line with a mixture of water and bleach to prevent future clogs.
Change or Clean Air Filters:
You can clean your filters if they are dirty. However, you ought to be careful with them otherwise you can shatter them. But if your filters are extremely clogged with dirt, they need to be replaced. You should call an HVAC technician who can figure out for you whether to clean the air filters or replace them. This can prevent the water dripping from an air conditioner filter.
Check for Refrigerant Leaks:
You can address the problem of low refrigerant levels by calling a professional. As stated earlier, refrigerant leaks can be fatal and must be repaired instantly only by a professional technician who can recharge the refrigerant to the appropriate levels.
Inspect Installation and Drainage:
If you suspect that improper installation is the problem, you can contact an HVAC technician to assess and fix the unleveled system. He will also adjust the drainage system as needed.
Regular Maintenance:
The best way to prevent water leakage in the first place is to catch up with regular maintenance of your HVAC system. Consider scheduling annual inspections with a qualified HVAC technician. They can identify potential issues before they escalate, ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of your AC system.
When to call in the Experts
- If you’re unable to locate the source of the water leakage.
- When dealing with refrigerant-related issues.
- If you suspect a problem with the installation of the AC unit.
- If DIY attempts to unclog the drain line or address the issue are unsuccessful.
AC unit water leakage is a common issue, but it’s essential to address it promptly to prevent damage to your property and ensure the longevity of your cooling system. By understanding the causes of water leakage and following the suggested solutions, you can keep your AC unit running smoothly and comfortably throughout the hot summer months. If you encounter persistent issues or are unsure about how to proceed, don’t hesitate to reach out to qualified HVAC professionals to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your AC system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is water dripping from an Ac dangerous?
Water dripping from an AC unit is not an immediate threat to the health; however, it is dangerous to the property. If the water leak is due to the refrigerant then it can be a health hazard. Therefore, it is important to consult an expert technician in this matter.
How to fix water dripping from split AC indoor unit?
You can fix some issues (clogged drain, dirty filters, checking drainage) yourself by cleaning the drain, replacing or cleaning air filters, or cleaning the drainage, but for others (improper installation, refrigerant issues, persistent problems), it’s best to consult a professional HVAC technician to ensure proper resolution.
Why water is leaking from the AC outdoor unit?
It can be because of condensation, defrosting, condensate drain misplacement, refrigerant leak, or clogged drain line.
Leave A Comment