My Air Conditioner Is Dripping - What Do I Do?

Is there a sudden water leak from your air conditioner? There are more than 100 million houses in the US with air conditioning. They are primarily dispersed over the nation's southern region, where the temperature climbs to its highest. Some (HVAC systems) air conditioners leak water from their units inside and outside due to their frequent use.

Like technology, air conditioners have become a need in our daily life. We require them in all these places: hospitals, malls, offices, homes, and automobiles. But sometimes, things fail when we least expect them. Some break down and annoyingly keep turning on and off, while others start making a lot of noise. Water leaks are the most frequent and inconvenient of all these differences.

There is a problem if your air conditioner is dripping water inside your home or leaking an unusually large volume of water. There are various reasons your AC may not be able to remove moisture through the right channel, from clogged drain lines to filthy air filters. Let's examine some typical AC issues that can be causing your air conditioner to leak water:

One of the most frequent causes of an AC leaking water is this. Dirt and debris are present in your device's moisture throughout the dehumidification process. If the condensate drain line is not regularly cleaned, this might build up over time and result in a blockage. Water will eventually accumulate in your unit, overflowing the drain pan inside your home.

To capture condensation as it drips, a drain pan is positioned beneath or within the air handler of your air conditioner. The water then flows outside and into the drain pipe from this point. The water will begin to leak rather than enter the drain line if the drain pan is rusty or broken.

Your AC will leak water if your drain pipe is improperly installed and disconnects. The drain line may come loose over time or detach due to poor installation or maintenance.

It might be difficult for water to exit your drain line if your central HVAC unit is situated in a location like a basement or a remote attic. Here, the condensate pump is crucial to clear the system of water. The float switch on the condensate pump is activated when the water level in the reservoir rises. The condensate pump is then started to drain water outside of your house.

Condensation is a typical byproduct of the dehumidifying action of your air conditioner. But excessive moisture accumulation can cause an air conditioner to spill water from air ducts or vents. Insulation in your home may become wet and get damaged. Additionally, it may worsen indoor air quality by encouraging mold growth in air ducts.

Your indoor unit's evaporator coils might freeze due to a refrigerant leak or obstructed airflow. This may result in moisture accumulation, which can overflow the drain pan and let water spill out.

As was already said, evaporator coils might freeze due to unclean air filters, which can result in water leaks from your air conditioner. The filters guarantee appropriate airflow. Clean air can enter your home thanks to its ability to capture air contaminants. However, with time, this debris and dust can build up inside the filters and block them. Your unit may also be harmed by their obstruction, which is hazardous to indoor air quality. Additionally, it causes poor HVAC airflow.

You could be wondering why your new air conditioner is shedding water if you just installed a new unit and it has started to do so. The problem could result from improper installation. For instance, the water flow from the drain pan is disrupted when the AC and drain pipes are not proportionate. Your device, therefore, begins to leak water.

So, how can you prevent an air conditioner from leaking? You might phone an expert to get assistance with a dripping air conditioner. However, it can come at a hefty price, and in the heat of the summer, it might take a few days for a service technician to visit your home and have a look. You would have to either cease using your air conditioner to halt the leak or use buckets to catch the dripping water. Or you can follow these six suggestions that are excellent and will assist you in stopping air conditioner leaks:

1. Ensure that the aircon is properly installed

Ensure the window unit's front is somewhat higher than the back when installing an air conditioner. For effective drainage, a 1-inch difference should be sufficient. To prevent the leak from dripping into your home and causing damage and unsightly places, it is advantageous to have the window unit's front slightly higher than the back of the air conditioner.

2. Clean the dirty filters

Depending on where the air conditioner is located, the filters might occasionally become dusty and clog the heat exchanger. Blocked heat exchangers prevent air from moving, which causes moisture to condense and eventually produce water droplets that leak. Regular filter cleaning is required to avoid this. Additionally, it will be beneficial to inspect the aluminum foil beneath the system filters to ensure that it hasn't been clogged with debris. To gently remove the dirt, use a vacuum. To avoid uncomfortable situations, be careful to read all of the product's instructions.

3. Unblock the aircon's drainage hole

Usually, the air conditioner has a slot or groove at the rear intended to catch any drips. Sadly, the hole occasionally becomes blocked, making it impossible for water to escape. The water that is pilling within the unit frequently leaks inside the home. You must first determine whether the plastic drain in your air conditioner is intended to catch water created while the unit is in cooling mode and drain it to remove the obstruction before you can solve the problem.

4. Check for icing

A little drop in temperature usually causes the cooling coil to freeze up, and in warm weather, it will inevitably melt, letting water into your home. You may look for the cooling coil for the air conditioner and see if any ice is developing. If such is the case, a professional must fix it for you.

5. Replace lost refrigerants

When a lot of air enters the room, the air conditioner is often anticipated to provide lots of cold air. Rarely, though, this might not be the case. The system progressively starts to have trouble cooling the space when a lot of air flows through it. That is due to a refrigerant shortage, according to experts. A new refrigerant will be required to correct this. Set a heat pump to the lowest level and operate the system for a few minutes to diagnose the problem. If you notice any ice building up behind the filter, a professional should be called to fix the issue.

6. Have it checked by a professional from time to time

You could wish to perform every suggestion in this article, but for reasons only known to you—such as a set schedule or a hectic lifestyle—you end up not doing any of them. Fortunately, Singapore has professionals with experience operating air conditioners who would be happy to assist you with troubleshooting. Consider it as a form of upkeep or servicing. When you hire a professional, they will inspect everything for you, address any issues, and let you carry on as usual while still making the most of your air conditioning.

Turn off your air conditioner immediately if you discover any leaks. This is crucial because it will halt the flow of water, even if the air in your home doesn't feel any different. Your air conditioner is more vulnerable to severe harm the more water it loses. Stop this in its tracks by turning it off, and then remove as much water as you can from the area to keep it from seeping inside your air conditioner. After it is finished, you should get a specialist to look closely.

As you can see, various problems might cause your air conditioner to leak water. Some merely need quick treatment, such as clearing the obstruction in the drain or mending a damaged drain line. On the other hand, some are significant problems that, if ignored, might need expensive home repairs or possibly the ultimate breakdown of your complete heating and cooling system.

The best approach to prevent the majority of these problems is to maintain a regular maintenance plan with a reputable AC firm. It's time to bring in the experts if you think there may be a problem with your air conditioner, especially if you notice water leaking through your roof. Let Home Alliance help you with all your HVAC service needs. Call us today to be a member for the best deals and emergency services.