Let’s face it: Ohio summers are relentless! The sun is blazing, the heat is rising, and your AC is running nonstop to compensate for the outdoor temps. So, your AC is probably working overtime to keep up with the heat and keep your home cooled. When this happens, it’s not uncommon for an AC to start leaking water. Don’t panic, though! As always, Xenia Heating & Air is here to help you figure out what’s going on.
Potential Reasons Why Your AC May Be Leaking:
- A Malfunctioning Thermostat
- A Frozen Evaporator Coil
- A Clogged Condensate Drain
- An Old or Damaged Condensate Drain Pan
- Low Refrigerant Levels
- A “Sweating” Condenser
1. The Thermostat
Your thermostat determines how cold the evaporator coils need to be to reach your set temperature. Think of your thermostat as the control center of your HVAC system. If it fails, the entire system is affected. So, when a thermostat malfunctions, it can’t communicate properly with your HVAC system, which controls when the AC turns on and off and how air is circulated. Many system issues are due to a faulty thermostat. The source of your air conditioner problems might just be a simple thermostat check.
Start troubleshooting by inspecting the thermostat. If your AC is leaking water, make sure the thermostat settings are correct. Then, check if the thermostat is responsive, and you can adjust the settings. If not, it may need new batteries (if applicable), or there could be a wiring issue. In that case, you’ll want to contact a licensed technician.
2. The Evaporator Coil
It’s important to note that one of the top reasons for AC’s leaking water is due to the evaporator coil freezing. This often occurs when the air filters become too clogged and there is not sufficient air being blown over the coils. The evaporator coils can get so cold that they freeze over and water will start to drip off as a result of this process.
You can fix this issue by:
- Checking on the Air Filters: Make it a habit to check your HVAC air filters. They should be replaced every 1 to 3 months, but it’s good to double-check to ensure a clogged filter isn’t what’s causing your current HVAC issues. A fresh air filter might just solve your leaky air conditioning problems.
- Checking on the Thermostat Settings: You’ll need to thaw the frozen evaporator coil to stop the dripping or leaking. Raise the thermostat temperature by a few degrees to help with thawing. If the entire unit is frozen, turn off the cooling settings and switch on the fan instead.
3. The Condensate Drain
Next, think about your condensate drain. It might be clogged. This is the pipe that carries water from the drain pan to the outside. If it gets blocked or clogged, the water meant to drain can back up and leak outside the drain pan.
We advise against troubleshooting this issue yourself, as it could damage your pipes or system. A clogged condensate drain can cause various AC problems, but a licensed technician can easily fix it. So, it would be best to leave this particular troubleshooting step to a professional.
4. The Condensate Drain Pan
Now, let’s talk about the condensate drain pan. This pan collects water run-off from the evaporator coil as it cools the air. If the drain pan is worn out or damaged, it can cause water to leak onto the floor.
Fixing this issue is straightforward. If you need to, just replace the old or damaged drain pan with a new one, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. However, in the case that you are unsure about doing this, we’re here to help.
5. The Refrigerant
When your air conditioner’s refrigerant takes a nosedive, so does the pressure, turning your evaporator coils into an icy nightmare. As a result, the frost on the evaporator coils can lead you to think your AC is “leaking.”
The quickest way to fix this? Ring up a licensed technician—they’ve got the right refrigerant and the fancy gadgets to safely refill your AC. We don’t suggest trying to check. On your refrigerant levels yourself. Instead, familiarize yourself with the signs of low refrigerant so you can keep your eyes and ears peeled and know when it’s time to call an HVAC technician:
- Hissing or bubbling sounds coming from the AC unit
- Ice on the evaporator coils
- The AC is not blowing out “cold” air
- Water leakage
6. The Condenser
Did you know your air conditioner can “sweat”? When warm or humid air meets the cool exterior of your AC, condensation forms. This excess moisture can make it look like your AC is having a meltdown or leaking! This is actually a normal occurrence, and there is nothing to be alarmed about. However, keep in mind that while mild condensation is normal, an excessively “sweating” unit needs professional attention as soon as possible. You don’t want water damage or a damaged AC due to an ongoing issue.
We value your safety and comfort! If your air conditioner is still leaking or you suspect that the culprit is low refrigerant, give us a call. We’d be honored to swoop in with our five-star customer service and save the day!
You can beat the heat with the help of your Xenia Heating & Air family! Call us today at (937) 708-8451, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!