If you’ve found your AC leaking water, you might be left wondering, “Is this normal?” In short, no, it’s not. While a little condensation is okay, a full-on water leak can indicate serious issues with your unit. So, why is your central air conditioning unit leaking water? Let’s go over everything you need to know in more detail below.
Understanding Your AC System
The key to understanding why an AC system may leak water lies in its basic operation. When your air conditioner works, it doesn’t just cool the warm air inside your home. It also dehumidifies it, which can result in condensation forming. Typically, this water is dealt with via a condensate drain line that safely disposes of the water outside your home.
The Role of the Evaporator Coil
Inside your AC, the evaporator coil plays a pivotal role. It cools the warm air blown over it, creating condensation in the process. Sometimes, issues can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. When the coil melts, this could be why your central air conditioning unit is leaking water. Frozen evaporator coil problems can result from low refrigerant levels, poor airflow due to dirty air filters, or a malfunctioning blower motor.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
A common cause of an AC leaking water is a clogged condensate drain line. Over time, dust, dirt, and mold can block this line, preventing water from draining correctly. Instead, the water overflows, causing your AC to leak.
Broken Condensate Pump
A condensate pump is an essential component of your air conditioning system, responsible for removing excess water that accumulates as a result of the cooling process. When the system runs, water droplets form on the evaporator coil, which the condensate pump channels away safely. However, if the condensate pump were to malfunction or break down, the excess water would have nowhere to go. As a result, it would accumulate in the unit and eventually start to overflow. It’s easy to see how this can be why your central air conditioning unit is leaking water.
Faulty Float Switch
A faulty or stuck float switch can also cause a leak. The float switch is designed to turn off your AC if the drain pan fills up to prevent overflows. If it malfunctions, water can start spilling over and result in your AC leaking water.
Refrigerant Leaks
A refrigerant leak can cause lower pressure in your AC, resulting in the evaporator coil freezing and eventually melting, leading to water leaks. This can also cause your unit to underperform, making it less efficient at cooling your home.
Repair or Replacement: Making the Right Decision
When dealing with an AC leaking water, the right solution depends on the problem’s severity and the unit’s age. While smaller issues like a clogged line or dirty filters can often be solved with a simple repair, more serious problems like a refrigerant leak might warrant replacement.
Call Our AC Experts Today!
Understanding why your central air conditioning unit is leaking water can be complicated. It can result from a variety of issues, from a clogged condensate drain line to a frozen evaporator coil. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can often prevent these problems. However, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a professional to ensure your home remains cool and comfortable, regardless of the weather outside.
At Proactive Comfort, we can provide you with a professional AC repair in Concord, NH, where we can assess the situation, pinpoint the exact issue, and recommend the best course of action for your air conditioning system. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your air conditioning services in Nashua, NH, or the surrounding area!