Unfortunately, Ohio’s summers can be quite hot, and your AC is likely currently working overtime to keep up. When your AC runs at full capacity, it can start leaking water. This can be concerning, but don’t worry—your Springfield Heating & Cooling professionals are here to help you figure out what’s going on.
Things to Check When Your AC May Be Leaking:
- Thermostat
- Evaporator Coil
- Condensate Drain
- Condensate Drain Pan
- Refrigerant
- Condenser
1. A Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your thermostat controls the temperature of the evaporator coils to match your desired home setting. When extra water condenses on the coil, it can start leaking. If the thermostat fails, your AC will likely fail, too.
Think of your thermostat as the “command center” of your HVAC system. If it fails, the entire system is affected. A malfunctioning thermostat can’t properly communicate with your HVAC system, which controls when your AC turns on and off and manages airflow. Many system issues are due to a faulty thermostat. So, checking the thermostat might be the key to solving your air conditioner problems.
2. A Frozen Evaporator Coil
One of the main reasons AC units leak water is because the evaporator coil freezes up and the ice on it is melting and “leaking” as a result. This usually happens when air filters are too clogged, preventing enough air from blowing over the coils.
You can fix this issue by:
- Check the Air Filters: Regularly inspect your HVAC air filters. Although it’s recommended to replace them every 1 to 3 months, double-checking won’t hurt. A clogged air filter might be causing your air conditioning problems, and a fresh one could resolve the issue!
- Change Your Thermostat Settings: First, thaw the frozen evaporator coil to stop the leaking completely. Raise the thermostat temperature by a few degrees to help with the thawing process. If the entire unit is frozen, turn off the cooling settings and switch on the fan instead.
3. A Clogged Condensate Drain
Your condensate drain could be clogged. The condensate drain is the piece of pipe that convoys the water from the drain pan to outside. So, if it gets clogged, the water that is supposed to be draining can start to back up and leak outside of the drain pan.
We don’t recommend troubleshooting this issue yourself unless you want to risk causing damage to your pipes or system. A clogged condensate drain can lead to different AC malfunctions, but it is a simple fix for a qualified and licensed technician.
4. An Old or Damaged Condensate Drain Pan
Next, let’s look at the condensate drain pan. This pan collects the water run-off from the evaporator coil as it cools the air. If the drain pan is worn out or damaged, it can cause water to leak onto the floor.
Fixing this issue is straightforward. Just replace the old or damaged drain pan with a new one, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you’re unsure about handling this, we’re here to help.
5. Low Refrigerant Levels
When the refrigerant in your air conditioner drops, the pressure inside also falls. This can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, leading to a messy and wet situation. Here are a few signs of low refrigerant to watch for:
- Hissing or bubbling sounds coming from the AC unit
- Ice on the evaporator coils
- The AC is not blowing out “cold” air
- Water leakage
To get this fixed quickly, call a licensed technician. They have the right refrigerant and equipment to safely refill your air conditioner.
6. A “Sweating” Condenser
Did you know that your air conditioner can “sweat?” This happens when warm or humid air meets the cool exterior of the AC unit, causing condensation. This moisture can make it appear as though the AC is leaking.
While mild condensation is normal, excessive “sweating” should be checked by a professional promptly. You don’t want to risk water damage or a malfunctioning AC due to a lingering issue.
Your safety and comfort are important to us. If your air conditioner is leaking water and you don’t know why, give us a call. We’re here to provide you with five-star customer service.
You can beat the heat with the help of your Springfield Heating & Cooling family! Call us today at (937) 350-1881, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
