AC Leaking Water: What Do I Do?

Your home's temperature control systems are significant investments, so it's essential to maintain them properly. Likewise, if you notice water seeping from your air conditioner, it's vital to take action before the problem worsens. In this article, we'll explain what to do when your AC is leaking water and recommend excellent heating and air conditioning professionals in Vero Beach for the next time you need help.

What Causes an Air Conditioner to Leak?

Multiple different problems can lead to your AC leaking water. The most common causes are improperly installed drainage lines or clogged drain pans. These can occur when the air conditioner is not level or when there is too great of a slope in the line, preventing the condensation from the system from draining properly.

Over time, the drain pan inside the AC unit can become full of debris and waste from condensation. This issue can cause the water to back up into the unit and cause water to leak out through the vents in the front of the unit. If left unattended, this issue could lead to more severe damage, such as flooding in your attic or water damage to your home's interior.

Improper system balance is another issue that can cause an air conditioner to leak. For example, if the air conditioning coils are not in balance or too much refrigerant is in the system, the unit can overheat or completely shut down. This imbalance causes the pan to overflow and the water in the system to leak out through the condensate drains.

Frozen evaporator coils can also prevent water from draining out of your system, causing leaks in a similar manner. Additionally, too much refrigerant can cause your evaporator coil to freeze, so it's important to be mindful. Whenever you notice ice on the coils in your air conditioning unit, you should contact a maintenance professional and schedule an inspection before the problem worsens.

How to Deal with Water Leaking from Your Air Conditioner

If you notice water dripping from your air conditioning unit, it's crucial to address the leakage as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your property. While it's critical to dry the area thoroughly and reduce your usage, fixing a leaking air conditioner is challenging for most homeowners.

For this issue, your best option is to hire a technician to fix the leaks and prevent further damage to your system. An experienced professional can quickly diagnose and address the issue, preventing the need for more expensive repairs. Most contractors also offer regular maintenance plans for homeowners, which can help avoid problems like this from occurring.

However, if your system is beyond repair or your repair costs exceed the value of your current system, you should consider investing in a new air conditioning system altogether. A newer system will not only offer improved efficiency and reliability but will also eliminate the need for costly repairs in the future. Before you make your decision, it's essential to consult a reputable HVAC contractor for assistance.

Steps to Take If You Notice a Leakage from Your Air Conditioning Unit

If you have an AC leaking water, there are some steps you can take to minimize damage until the professionals arrive. Here are step-by-step instructions on what you can do.

Step One

Turn off your air conditioning unit and let the unit rest for an hour or two. This step will allow the unit to cool down and the condensation from the unit to completely drain before there is any further damage to the system. 

Step Two

Open all the windows in your home or building to let the air circulate and dry out the space where the water leak occurred. This strategy prevents the water from seeping into the wood and other surfaces in the area, which can lead to mold growth and property damage. In addition, by drying the area thoroughly, you can ensure professionals can resolve the problem without additional water damage.

Step Three

Contact your heating and air conditioning company to have them inspect your system and repair any water damage caused by the leak. They usually come out within a few hours to check the unit and fix the problem. However, the earlier you call, the easier it will be to find a technician to help you before the damage spreads any further.

Conclusion

If your air conditioning unit has sprung a leak, you should take steps to minimize the damage until the professionals arrive to repair the problem. If you catch the leak early, the chances are good that you can avoid significant damage to the unit and your home or business. However, air conditioning units are complex and expensive, so it's essential to treat these appliances carefully and not attempt to repair them without proper training.

Get Expert AC Maintenance Services in Florida Today

Hopefully, this article helped you learn how to respond when you notice water leaking from your air conditioning unit. If you want to learn more, you can explore our website for tips on making AC more efficient, ensuring your air handler lasts as long as possible, and much more. However, if you're currently dealing with a leaking air conditioner, the Bates Air & Heat team is here to help.

We have years of experience providing expert air conditioning repair and installation to Florida residents and always strive to offer fair and transparent pricing. With years of experience and hundreds of positive reviews, Bates Air & Heat is one of the most trusted maintenance companies in the state. We offer comprehensive maintenance and repair services for air conditioners of all types, including central units, ductless mini-splits, heat pumps, and more.

If your AC is leaking water, we can help by providing rapid repair services to get your air conditioner back in working condition. To schedule your service, call Bates Air & Heat at 772-837-5389 and speak to a helpful representative today. Our technicians are standing by, ready to answer your questions and help you restore your home's cool air.