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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.