Ever wondered why ACs are called “air conditioners” and not “air coolers”? It’s because they place as much emphasis on humidity extraction as they do on heat removal. Dry interior air simply feels a lot cooler and more pleasant to occupants.

Of course, all that moisture that’s being taken out of your house doesn’t just vanish. It gradually builds up inside your air conditioner and is then conveyed to a drain pan via a condensate drain pipe. A damaged AC condensate drain pipe can cause all sorts of problems such as reduced cooling capacity and water dripping out of your AC.

But how can you tell if your drain pipe is working as intended, or if it’s time to schedule air conditioner repair in Queen Creek? How much water should drain out of an AC on a normal summer day? Read on to learn more.

Should my exterior AC drain pipe be dripping water?

It depends. Under normal conditions, the exterior AC condensate drain pipe should only drip water or produce condensation while the air conditioner is turned on. The small puddle of water this process creates should dry up quickly in warm weather.

However, if the water leak persists for a day or more, or if it keeps dripping even when the AC isn’t turned on, you should have your AC inspected by licensed HVAC technicians. Other causes for concern include water dripping from the backup drain pipe (if you have one) or from the side of the primary pipe (this can be caused by damage or improper installation).

What if there’s a blockage in the condensate drain pipe?

One of the reasons you should have your AC professionally maintained on an annual basis is to prevent your condensate drain line from getting clogged with dirt, mold, algae, fungi, and other filth.

Signs of a clogged drain line include:

• Less or no cooling
• Exterior drain pipe isn’t dripping
• Water is leaking from the AC

How much water should drain from my air conditioner?

The amount of water that comes out of an AC can vary dramatically depending on factors such as climate, size of the unit, moisture in the air, and more.

For example, in an arid climate where relative humidity stays under 50% most of the time, the evaporator coil in a typical AC unit sends about 5 gallons of water down the drain every day. However, in humid climates, the drain pipe could convey as many as 20 gallons per day.

How much water is too much?

Some AC units have a backup condensate drain pipe in addition to the primary one. If water is coming out of the backup drain pipe, that’s a clear sign that the condensate drain pan may be close to overflowing.

Other than that, unless your air conditioner is visibly leaking, you don’t need to worry about the amount of water that’s coming out of your condensate drain pipe.

Who provides the most reliable air conditioner repair services in Queen Creek?

There’s nothing better than getting home after a hard day at work and relaxing in an air conditioned room with a thought-provoking book you borrowed from the Queen Creek Library. The soft chair and the cooled indoor air just feel so great after a long day in the sweltering Arizona heat!

At Hughes Air, we specialize in making sure the good people of Queen Creek can always rely on their ACs to keep them comfortable. Give us a call today and find out for yourself why we’re held in such high regard by our customers.

In order to cool down air, an air conditioner pulls in hot and humid air from the outside and blows it across a cooled coil, also known as the evaporator coil. A side effect of this process is that condensation starts to build up on the coil.

This excess water then passes through a pipe, falls into the drain pan, and is then pumped out of your home through another pipe. Unfortunately, certain AC problems can cause water to leak out of your unit, which can result in damage both to the air conditioner itself and your other property.

While calling an AC repair service in Queen Creek, AZ, is a quick and easy way to deal with a leaky air conditioner, it’s still worth every homeowner’s time to understand why their ACs sometimes leak and how these problems should be addressed. Keep reading to learn more.

How do I prevent my air conditioner from leaking?

Regular AC maintenance is the single most effective way to prevent leaks, as well as the majority of other HVAC-related problems. As a general rule, your air conditioner should be examined by a qualified technician at least once a year.

Of course, no matter how well-maintained your AC unit is, it can still suffer unexpected damages as a result of accidents, harsh weather, or even vandalism. That’s why you should occasionally give your AC a quick visual checkup.

If you spot anything out of the ordinary, such as water stains on the wall or excessive amounts of moisture dripping from the exterior drain pipe, reach out to your HVAC contractor immediately and have them send someone over.

Here are 5 major reasons why AC leaks occur:

1. Evaporator coils have frozen over. Low refrigerant levels or a dirty air filter can hamper airflow within the air conditioner. This will cause the temps inside the AC unit to drop to the point where ice forms on the evaporator coil. Once this ice begins to melt, it’ll overflow the condensate drain line or drain pan and end up leaking into your home.
2. Overflowing or damaged drain pan. The drain pan is a plastic or metal container that water goes into before being drained out of your house. If this pan gets damaged (or simply corrodes due to age), it can start leaking.
3. The condensate drain line is clogged. Algae, debris, dirt, sludge, and fungi can all cause a blockage inside your AC’s condensate drain line. With nowhere else to go, the water from the evaporator coil will inevitably overflow and end up in your living space.
4. Malfunctioning pump. If the pump that draws water from the drain pan is broken, the water will eventually overflow the pan and start dripping onto the floor.
5. Improper installation. Inexperienced, untrained, and “budget” HVAC contractors rarely take the time to ensure the exterior AC unit is perfectly level or that the seals are tight when they perform the installation. Water leaks are just one of the many problems this can cause.

As we’ve already noted, the only surefire way to prevent your air conditioner from leaking is to have it inspected and serviced by experienced HVAC professionals on a regular basis. This will help ensure optimal performance from your unit and minimize the chances of leaking.

Where can I book premium AC repair in Queen Creek, AZ?

Having a working air conditioner at all times is essential if you live in a hot, dry place like Queen Creek, Arizona. Here at Hughes Air, we consider it our mission to make sure your ACs remain fully functional all year round.

With over 30 years of hands-on experience in HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance, we are superbly equipped to solve any AC-related problem you might have. Contact us today and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Founders’ Park while we take care of your AC.