How to Take Care of Air Conditioner Leaks?

During the summers, you rely on your air conditioning to ensure that you have comfortably cool indoor spaces. Any untimely problems with the AC can quickly change that and make the indoors swelteringly hot. This is why it is important to identify and resolve AC problems in the spring season before the cooling unit has to face extensive usage during the summers.

One of the most common problems experienced with AC units is water leakage. A leak is not always a cause of alarm and sometimes, water leaks in AC units are simply a result of condensation. However, in other cases, leaks may be caused by a more significant underlying problem.

Common Causes of Air Conditioner Leaks

An air conditioner may experience water leaks for a variety of reasons. Common causes include:

• Drainage Line Blockage: Over time, dirt, mold, and other types of debris may accumulate inside the drain line of the air conditioner. Such accumulation then results in the blockage of the line. When the condensed water has no outlet for drainage, it starts to leak from the AC.
• Damaged Pan: The water that condenses inside the AC unit first collects into a pan before it can be drained. The pan may sustain damage and become cracked. When this happens, water will leak from the pan instead of gathering up inside it.
• Installation Problems: It is critically important to have the AC unit installed by a certified and qualified professional. When an inexperienced person installs the AC, the unit may develop leaks due to improper leveling or a number of other reasons.
• Evaporator Coils Freeze Up: The evaporator coils of your air conditioner may freeze up. This may be due to low refrigerant levels in the AC unit. Alternatively, the coils may also freeze up when the outside temperature is low enough. Another possible reason for coil freeze over is low airflow due to a dirty and clogged air filter. In all cases, when the frozen up coils melt, the excess water may leak from the AC unit.

How to Resolve AC Water Leaks?

The good news is that you can resolve AC water leaks quite easily in most cases. Here is a look at some handy solutions:

• Replace Air Filter: As noted above, a clogged air filter can prevent the refrigerant and the evaporator coils from doing their job properly. A simple and easy solution to this is to replace the air filter.
• Replace Damaged Pan: If the main cause of water leaks in your air conditioner unit is that the pan is damaged, you can replace the pan. This will effectively resolve the problem by ensuring that water is gathered into the pan and drained from it without leaking. Sometimes, it is possible to repair a damaged pain by sealing the leaks with a good water sealant. However, repairing is typically not a durable solution.
• Clear Up the Drain Line: If the water leaks in your AC are a result of a clogged drain line, your solution is to clear up the line. To do this, locate the drain line of your AC. This is the pipe that is connected to your AC’s drain pan. Now use some mild detergent or white vinegar to help remove any debris stuck inside the line. Once the line is clear, connect it back with the pan.
• Turn Down the AC: You may want to run your AC only when the outside temperature is not too cold. If the temperature is above 60°F, the evaporator coils may freeze up.
• Top Up The Refrigerant: As mentioned above, low levels of refrigerant can also result in frozen up evaporator coils. The solution to this problem is easy: simply top up the refrigerant levels in the unit and the evaporator coils will no longer freeze up.

Hiring a Reliable Heating and Air Expert in Greenville SC

If you are facing any problems with the air conditioner, furnace, or any other aspect of your HVAC system, we can help you. Here at General Air, our experts have been providing world-class HVAC services to Greenville businesses and homeowners alike for many years. Whether you are experiencing leaks with your AC, strange noises coming from it, or any other problems, we have got you covered. We handle installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance of all things HVAC. Contact us today to discuss your HVAC needs, book our services, get a free estimate, or consult our experts.