AC Maintenance: What to Do About an Air Conditioner Leaking Water

Americans can save up to 50% of their air conditioning costs with the proper upkeep.

Knowing what to look out for is the first step in saving money on your AC unit. Your air conditioner leaking water is a major sign that it needs some work done. 

Many problems can cause AC leaking. Keep reading to find out how to fix AC leaks.

Air Conditioner Leaking Water from Drip Pan

You know how a cold glass of lemonade beads with sweat on a really hot day? Think of your air conditioner as the glass of lemonade. 

Converting hot air into cool air creates a lot of condensation. The drip pan on your AC is there to catch all that sweat so it doesn’t leak into your home. 

Water leaking from air conditioner drip pans isn’t a big deal, and you don’t need to replace your entire AC unit. 

You can temporarily fix your removable drip pan on your own to save your carpet. You’ll still need to call a professional to repair the primary drip pan that’s welded inside of your air conditioner.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Your AC leaking water could be a sign that its evaporator coils are frozen. This could be the result of a dirty air filter. 

If you don’t replace your air filter often enough, it restricts your AC from pulling in air. This causes cold air to be trapped, which eventually freezes your evaporator coils. 

To prevent this from happening again, change your air filter every 30-90 days. Replacing your air filter often can also save you money on your electricity bill. 

You may need to replace your air filter more often in the summer when your air conditioner usage is more frequent. 

Clogged Drain Line

Your AC dripping water could be due to a clogged drain line. A lot of condensation builds up and it all needs somewhere to go. 

If you have a clogged drain line, the water will start leaking from your AC unit.

Water is breeding grounds for bacteria. This can cause algae, mold, and fungi to grow in your drain line. 

It’s normal to need to clean your drain line every once in a while. It’s a long process that requires special tools, so it’s better that you call a professional for help. 

Faulty Condensate Pump

Condensate pumps are used in central AC units to pump out condensation. These are necessary for AC units that don’t allow water to drip with gravity. 

It’s common for condensate pumps to stop working with time. If your unit is leaking water, the condensate pump is most likely broken. 

No need to worry. This is a common and easy fix for HVAC professionals. 

Keep a Cool Head

Your air conditioner leaking water could be a result of any of the above issues. Now that the facts are in front of you, it’s time for you to identify the problem. 

Even if you can’t find the issue, A1 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning will be happy to take a look. Give us a call or schedule a service to get your AC back up to spec.