If your air conditioning is leaking, it’s very important to determine the issue as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many people do not know why the leak is occurring or what the source of the leak is. So, it is important to enlist the help of a professional.
To help you assess the situation, read these four types of air conditioning leaks that you should pay attention below.
Weather
Weather can be the source of leak when you put the air conditioner outside of the house. If water has managed to get into the cabinet area of the air conditioner, the downward dripping can happen after the water has had time to build up. As a result, the overall flow of water can be very damaging to the structural integrity of your property, which means you should call a professional HVAC contractor right away.
A Clogged Drain Line
One of the most common sources of leaks is clogged drain lines. For example, a leaking air conditioning inside your house may be due to clogged condensation drain line. This drain line can become clogged with dirt, dust, mould, or other debris. Water can’t escape from the unit when this happens, so it drains back into your house. The best way to unclog the drain line is to remove all debris using a wet and dry vacuum. This should work to free the line, but if it doesn’t, you need to call a professional for assistance because they have a more powerful vacuum that can unclog it.
Dirty Air Filter
You should change or clean the air filter in your air conditioning at least once every month. If your air filter is dirty, it can make your air conditioning unit have to work harder, which can cause damage or worn-out parts that will cost you money to replace. A dirty filter can also block the airflow that moves over the unit’s evaporator coil, and when this happens, the coil can become extremely cold and freeze up. As the frozen coil melts, the excess water will cause a leak.
Your AC is Low on Refrigerant
If your air conditioning unit becomes low on refrigerant, it will lower the pressure inside your air conditioning system, which will then cause the evaporator coil to freeze, resulting in a very large puddle of water. Also, if you notice that your air conditioning unit is not cooling down properly, you should check the level of refrigerant it has in it. Another sign of low refrigerant can include the air conditioning starting to make a weird hissing or bubbling sound which can also signal that you have a leak.
Other Reasons for AC Leaks
While these four above are the most common causes, there are other things that will cause a leak to occur.
If you have an older unit, you need to check for any damaged or rusted parts, especially the drain pan. Air conditioning units between 10 and 15 years old may require new pan replacement.
Another potential cause of an air conditioning unit leak is a broken condensation pump. Normal air conditioning should pump water to the outside of the building or house. If the pump is broken, it can’t pump the water outside. Therefore, it’s important to repaire it as soon as you realize the issue to prevent water damage to your house.
Why is my AC Leaking?
If these tips above do not work, it is best to call a professional HVAC contractor to assess the situation and make the necessary repairs immediately before more extensive damage occurs. You should also have your HVAC system regularly inspected to prevent any problems or other issues. It is recommended to have an inspection at the beginning of every summer and hot weather season.
To enlist the help of a trusted, experienced, and highly skilled HVAC professional, contact the air conditioning specialists at PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air today to assess your air conditioning unit and an estimate for the repairs that need to be made.