Is Your Central AC Leaking Water? 3 Possible Fixes

18 July 2022
 Categories: , Blog

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Central air conditioners naturally collect moisture while in use in the form of condensation. However, this moisture should never leak into your home. If your AC is leaking, it's a clear sign that you need air conditioning repair.

Some fixes for a leaking air conditioner are easy and can be completed by the homeowner. In other cases, you may need to hire a professional HVAC contractor. Here are three possible fixes for a central air conditioner that's leaking water.

1. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

The evaporator coils in your central air conditioner contain refrigerant that reaches extremely cold temperatures. As air passes over the coils, they absorb heat to cool the air. If airflow to the coils is blocked while your AC is running, they will freeze over.

Ice on your evaporator coils can cause a leak inside your home as it thaws. A clogged air filter is a primary cause of blocked airflow that leads to frozen evaporator coils. Cleaning or replacing your HVAC air filter at least once per month or so is essential to prevent the coils from freezing. 

2. Unclog the Condensate Drain Line

The condensate drain and drain pan are located beneath the evaporator coils in a central air conditioner. These components catch condensation that drips from the coils and delivers moisture outside. If the condensate drain is clogged with dust, dirt, algae, or mold, the pan may overflow.

Unclogging the condensate drain line is an air conditioning repair task that homeowners can often complete on their own. When you remove the furnace access panel, you should see the condensate pan directly below the coils. 

Turn off your air conditioner and remove any visible obstructions from the drain opening. You can unclog the drain with a wet/dry vac or by pouring in a solution of vinegar and distilled water. If the water in the condensate pan drains effectively, you can continue using your air conditioner. If not, contact an HVAC professional to remove the clog.

3. Recharge the Refrigerant

Refrigerant is one of the most important parts of any cooling system. Without adequate refrigerant, your air conditioner won't be able to cool your home's air effectively. Low refrigerant can lead to AC leaks when it overexpands inside the evaporator coils and causes them to freeze over.

Refrigerant recharging is an air conditioning repair task that must always be left to a professional. HVAC contractors have the training and experience to handle refrigerants safely and use the right tools to recharge your air conditioner. Annual HVAC inspections help you stay on top of your AC refrigerant levels and recharge them when needed.

Central air conditioner water leaks can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked. Use these tips and work with a contractor such as Willman Air when needed to resolve AC leaks quickly and easily.