A/C Leaks: How to ID, Causes & Solutions

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We want to talk to you about an issue we see constantly during this time of year.

Water leaks. You look up, and suddenly notice a stain on your ceiling, along the walls, or puddling on the floor. Not good. 

We find these water issues typically stem from water leaking from your A/C unit! We see plenty of these leaks because of constant, heavy use and our humid temps.

Before you assume the worst, browse through the list below to see if it has an easy fix. If it does, you’ll be your family’s hero. If it doesn’t, be thankful we are here for you always, with our award- winning honest and reliable service, and a 24/7 emergency line.

Why is my A/C Leaking Water?

Water leaking from your air conditioner is a huge red flag. 

Air conditioners are essential to enjoying life in Florida, and we see plenty of leaks because of constant, heavy use and our humid temps.

An A/C leaking water could mean disaster for Florida homeowners. While water coming from the outside drain of your system is common, large puddles or leaks in other locations could mean bigger problems. 

Before you assume the worst, browse through the list below to see if it has an easy fix. If it does, you’ll be your family’s hero. If it doesn’t, be thankful we are here for you always, with a 24/7emergency line.

7 Reasons Your Air Conditioner is Leaking Water and what to do: 

1. Clogged Air Filters

You need to regularly change your home’s air filters. 

These filters attract layers of dust, especially if you have pets or smokers in the home.

When your air filters are clogged, airflow is obstructed.

Your A/ C is affected by this because it works by absorbing humid air from your home and cooling it. Before cooling it, droplets of condensation fall on a drip pan and are sucked out of your home through a condensate line. But, when the airflow is obstructed, these droplets freeze into layers of ice. Once they start melting, you get leaks from your unit.

2. Clogged Condensate Drain Line

This is one of the most common causes of an AC unit leaking water.

Mold and mildew, builds up in dark, moist spaces. 

Here in Florida, your system runs frequently, and there can be a buildup of algae and debris in the drain line. This causes the drain to clog and the water to backflow.

Without routine HVAC maintenance services, at some point, the condensate line will become clogged with sludge , and water will leak from your AC. Routine A/C maintenance Scheduling routine maintenance once or twice a year or regularly cleaning your AC drain line using vinegar can help prevent clogs.

Ask us how! 

Very important— NEVER use bleach to clean your drain line! Not only are the fumes toxic, but bleach is extremely corrosive and will rust the internal parts of your air handler. 

3. Dirty Evaporator Coil

The onset of water leaks can also be caused by a dirty evaporator coil. The combination of dirt and water in your drainage pan can lead to a clogged drain, which can also rust the pan and eventually cause water damage to your home’s floors.

4. Frozen Evaporator Coil

Frozen evaporator coils can also cause your AC unit to leak. Dirty air filters and low refrigerant levels are two common reasons your evaporator coil can become covered in ice.

No matter what is causing your

A/C to leak, it is vital that you contact a trained professional with the knowledge to solve complex A/C system problems.

Water issues can cause damage or flooding which can easily add up to costly home repairs and unnecessary expenses. 

Water damage can also lead to mold or mildew buildup, impacting the air quality inside your home, and affecting the health of your family.

5. Rusted Drip Pan

The drip pan we mentioned above could rust, especially if the inside of your home is extra humid. If this happens, when condensation droplets fall into the drip pan, they will keep leaking out of your air conditioner.

Note the make and model of your AC and purchase a new one from a hardware store.

6. Faulty Condensate Pump

The water inside a condensate line is pumped outside of your home by the condensate pump. If the pump is not working properly, it will not drain water from the condensate line.

7. Improper Installation

If the AC system wasn’t installed properly, the drain pan may tilt to one side, causing pooled condensation to leak out of it. This is why it is important to always check whether an HVAC company is licensed in Florida before hiring them to do anything. You can verify by looking them up on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations website.