AC Leaking Water? Call Your AC Repair Company ASAP | Arlington, TX
More than 93% of homes in the US have air conditioning. Many of these homes are scattered in the southern states, where the heat rises to the highest temperatures. And for those living in Arlington, TX, having an AC system leaking water can spell trouble. It often boils down to working overtime, which is never good. If you’re wondering what’s happening and what you can do, keep reading to discover the top reasons for a leaking air conditioner.
Clogged Drain Line
The most common reason for a leaking air conditioner is a clogged condensate drain line. The line serves as an exit route for moisture collected when the evaporator coil thaws. The coil pulls moisture from the warm and humid air. The moisture then collects in the drain pan and exits your home via the drain line.
Dust and dirt can stick to the sides of the drain line as moisture passes through. With time, the debris gunks up and causes a clog. The result is a backed-up drain line that causes the condensate pan to overflow. A good cleaning of your air conditioner, and this is a job for a professional AC repair company.
Dirty Air Filter
If your air conditioner is leaking, the culprit could be a filthy air filter. Most homeowners neglect air filter maintenance, even though all you need to do is clean or replace it every three months. A dirty air filter can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. When the evaporator thaws, water collects in the drain pan and overflows. The result is a leaking air conditioner.
Replacing or cleaning a dirty air filter will allow air to pass correctly through the different components of the HVAC system. You can clean reusable filters using regular household products like dish soap and water or vinegar. Scheduling regular maintenance with an AC repair company can also help keep your air filter clean.
Damaged Condensate Drain Pan
Once the evaporator coil thaws, the resulting water collects in the condensate drain pan. It then moves out of the house via a condensate line and eventually empties into the sewage system.
Most condensate drain pipes are made from metal, which can corrode with time. This is a common problem in air conditioners that are more than ten years old. Drain pans made from plastic can crack and cause the AC to leak water. Replacing the drain pan is relatively easy and a job for a professional AC repair company in Arlington, TX.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to keep the house cool and comfortable. If it doesn’t have enough refrigerant, the AC has to work harder, which wears on other components. It can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze up, leading to excess water in the drain pan and an eventual leak.
The most common sign that your AC is low on refrigerant is that it still runs but is not as cold as it used to. You might also notice bubbles or actual noises near the unit if there is a refrigerant leak. Contact an AC repair company for help restoring your system’s refrigerant levels.
Full Condensate Drain Pan
With time, the condensate drain pan can fill up with bugs, mold, mildew, insulation, and dust. The float switch is a safety feature that keeps water from leaking out of the pan when full. It works by turning the system off when water exceeds a certain depth. However, the pan can overflow and start leaking if this mechanism isn’t working correctly.
Solving this problem requires removing debris from the drain pan or replacing the float switch. Both are fundamental reasons to enlist the help of an AC repair company.
Disconnected Drain Line
This is a common problem that can occur due to poor AC installation. If the drain line isn’t attached properly, it may eventually disconnect and cause a leak. This might cause a mess, but the problem is easily fixable. Simply contact your local AC repair company to make the repair and prevent the issue from recurring.
The Condensate Pump isn’t Working
Some air conditioners come with a condensate pump to help drain water more effectively. The pump is particularly essential if the home’s drain system is above the AC. Water can leak out of the drain pan without any obstructions if the condensate pump isn’t working. You want to ensure that the pump is getting power. If that’s not the issue, your AC may be leaking due to a broken condensate pump. You should call an AC repair company to resolve the issue.
Outdoor Temperature is Too Low to Run AC
Air conditioners are designed to keep your home cool when the weather is warm. Running your AC when the outdoor temperature is lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Ice and water will drop off when the coil thaws and probably lead to an AC leak. If the leak persists, call a professional air conditioning repair company to resolve the issue.
Broken or Grubby Evaporator Coil
Tiny droplets rather than a larger puddle outside the air conditioner may indicate water splashing off the evaporator coil. Usually, water drains into the drain pan and condensate line. This problem can occur if the evaporator coil is grimy or holes in the surrounding insulation redirect water. The easiest approach to preventing a broken or grubby evaporator coil is getting regular maintenance from the local AC repair company.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
There are two main reasons why the evaporator coil may freeze; a refrigerant leak and a reduced airflow. A blocked return vent, a collapsed air duct, a dirty filter, a damaged fan, and a dirty coil are some of the factors that can lead to restricted airflow. A refrigerant leak often occurs if there’s no warm air for the refrigerant in the coil to absorb. Rather than get warm and turn into gas, the chemical liquid freezes. If you suspect either of the above issues, turn off the unit and call a professional AC repair company.
No More Leaking AC
Whatever the reason why your AC is leaking water, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth can help. We’ll troubleshoot and repair your air conditioner, restoring the comfort of your Arlington, TX, home as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.