Is my air conditioner leaking water inside the house? These are common questions we get from customers, so our team of PG1 Aircond from Penang has compiled a list of the most 5 common reasons for an air conditioner leaking water and solutions on how to fix it.
Note that as long as there are no other problems you notice in your air conditioner unit, water leaking is totally normal. In fact, this is already included by your aircon technician upon installation. The aircon should be located in an area that can accommodate leaking water.
Common causes of leaking and dripping air conditioners
A few things are responsible for leakage in the aircon beyond its average performance. Usually, when these problems occur, aircon leaking water will be accompanied by other issues, including the following:
- Clogged air filter
- Thermostat issues
- Coolant leaks
- Drainage problems
- Broken condensate pump
Let’s take a closer look at each issue:
1. Clogged air filter
One of the most common causes of an aircon leaking water is a clogged air filter. A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing your air conditioning unit to work harder than usual to cool your home. This extra strain can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, resulting in water buildup and leaks. To prevent this from happening, be sure to check and clean your air filters monthly or as needed. Not only will this keep your air conditioner at its optimal function, but you are also ensured of better air quality in your home.
2. Thermostat issues
Another common cause of aircon leaking water is an issue with the thermostat. If your thermostat is set too low, it can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze, resulting in water buildup and leaks. To prevent this from happening, be sure to keep your air conditioner’s thermostat set to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, having your air conditioning unit running at the lowest temperature is one way to make it less efficient in the long run.
3. Coolant leaks
If your air conditioner is leaking water accompanied by a weird smell, it could be due to a coolant leak. A coolant leak can occur when there’s a hole or crack in the evaporator coil or condenser coils. Loose connections or damaged seals can also cause this type of leak. If you suspect a coolant leak, be sure to contact a qualified HVAC technician for repairs.
4. Drainage problems
Another common cause of an air conditioner leaking water is a drainage issue. If the drain line is clogged or blocked, water will build up and leak from the unit. To prevent this from happening, be sure to check the drain line monthly and clear any debris that may have accumulated.
5. Broken condensate pump
If your air conditioner is equipped with a condensate pump, it could be the source of the leak. A condensate pump helps to remove water from the unit, but water will build up and leak out if it’s broken or not working properly. If you suspect your condensate pump is to blame, be sure to contact a qualified HVAC technician for repairs.
What are the best ways to fix leaking air conditioners?
If you experience an aircon leaking water, alongside other problems like noise or warm air, here are five solutions to fix an air conditioner that leaks water.
Clean and dry your trap pad
One way to fix a leaking air conditioner is to simply clean and dry your trap pad or the drain pan. The trap pad is located under the unit and collects water that drips from the evaporator coil. If the pad is full of water or another residue, it can cause the unit to leak. To prevent this, be sure to empty the drain pan regularly and keep it clean and dry.
Check the condensate line
Another way to fix an aircon leaking water is to check the condensate line. The condensate line carries water away from the unit, so water will build up and leak out if it’s clogged or blocked. To prevent this from happening, be sure to check the line regularly and clear any debris that may have accumulated.
Replace the air filter
If your air conditioner is leaking water, it could be because the air filter is dirty or clogged. A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing your AC unit to work harder than usual to cool your home. This could also be one of the reasons why your air conditioning unit is blowing warm air. This extra strain can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, resulting in water buildup and leaks. To prevent this from happening, check and clean your air filters monthly or as needed. This is a maintenance process that you can easily do at home.
Check the evaporator coil
Another common cause of an air conditioner leaking water is a problem with the evaporator coils. If the coils are frozen, they can cause water to build up and leak out. To prevent this from happening, be sure to keep the coils clean and free of debris. However, this is a step best done by an aircon professional aircon service company.
Check the condenser coils
If the condenser coils are dirty, they can cause the unit to overheat, which can lead to water buildup and leaks. To prevent this from happening, be sure to keep the coils clean and free of debris.
Conclusion
There are several common causes of an air conditioner leaking water. These include issues with the thermostat, coolant leaks, drainage problems, and a broken condensate pump. To prevent these issues from causing your AC unit to leak water, be sure to regularly check and clean the unit and the trap pad, condensate line, evaporator coils, and condenser coils. If you suspect a problem with your AC unit, contact PG1 Aircond for repairs.
