If you noticed water leaking from your air conditioner, there could be a few different contributing factors. The good news is, most of them are easy to fix when they are caught early. Never ignore an AC water leak, because doing so will only lead to more problems.
Instead, give our team a call for AC repair in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. We are the experts at all things air conditioning and heating, and we can help you troubleshoot your problem. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn more about some common reasons for an AC leak, and why each one is dangerous for the system and your home.
Condensate Drain Clogs
Sometimes a water leak happens because the condensate drain line gets clogged. As your air conditioner removes moisture from the air, it comes together in droplets that drain outside of your home via the condensate drain line. But sometimes small pieces of debris, dust, and dirt can also get trapped in the drain line.
Since the drain is a dark moist environment, it’s also common for algal growths to develop. All of these things can contribute to a clog. And when the line gets clogged, the water backs up and leaks out into the condensate drain pan. Unfortunately, the clog will not break down on its own. Instead, you need to have an expert break it down. You can prevent condensate drain clogs in the future by flushing the line out monthly with some vinegar.
Drain Pan Damage
Your condensate drain line also has a condensate drain pan and catches any water drops that escape. If this pan gets damaged or develops any cracks, water may leak from this backup pan and cause damage to the surrounding areas. Even though this pan was designed specifically to catch leaks, that doesn’t mean you should allow leaks to continue on. It’s always better to address problems early than to ignore them.
Refrigerant Charge
If your air conditioner has a low refrigerant charge, this can also lead to water leaks. With a low refrigerant charge, the coils in your AC are more likely to freeze. When the ice thaws, that moisture has to go somewhere, and it’s going to come out in the form of a leak.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter can also contribute to your AC coils freezing. If the filter gets clogged, airflow is blocked going into your AC. Without adequate air to cool, the coil can get too cold and freeze. Just like with a frozen coil due to a lack of refrigerant, the ice will eventually thaw out and leak. You may be tempted to ignore a minor leak, but don’t. It’s always better to get your system checked out and prevent any future problems than to ignore the signs and face a larger repair bill later.
Contact Mechanical Air Conditioning for your central air conditioning needs. Schedule an appointment today and experience the difference our team can make for your home and family.