Why Air Conditioner Is Leaking Water: Complete Guide
My Air Conditioner Is Leaking Water: Why It’s Leaking and What to Do
The hot summer months in Malaysia mean that your air conditioning is probably running overtime.
If your air conditioner is leaking water, you may wonder why and what you can do about this.
Read on for reasons why you might have a problem with a leaking air conditioner and what steps you can take to fix the problem.
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How and Why Water Forms in Your Air Conditioner
Most modern air conditioners contain an indoor and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit contains an evaporator coil that cools the warm air as it flows through to create a comfortable room temperature.
As the warm air flows through the coil, condensation begins to form. Imagine water droplets forming on a glass of cold water, precisely what is happening to your evaporator coil.
When moisture forms, it drips into the drain pan, leading to the condensate drain pipe. This pipe runs outside your home, so ideally, you should have no problems with air conditioner leaks in your home.
Unfortunately, your air conditioner may leak water in your home, but there is no reason to panic. Let’s consider why this can happen and how you can fix it.
Why your air conditioner is leaking water: clogged drainpipe
If your air conditioner leaks water in your home, it’s probably due to a clogged condensate drain pipe. Over time, this pipe can become clogged with dirt, dust, or mold.
When the condensate drain becomes clogged, the water can’t get out and out of the house. The pipe becomes clogged, causing condensation to back up and leak water into your home.
An easy way to remove a downspout is to remove the debris with a wet/dry vacuum. This should remove whatever caused the blockage and clear the pipe, allowing the water to exit.
If the wet/dry vacuum method doesn’t work, you may need professional help. They have access to a powerful vacuum cleaner that can remove the clog and clear the drain pipe.
Dirty Air Filter
You already know that you should change your air conditioner’s filter every 30 days. A dirty air filter can interfere with the operation of your system, leading to damage or worn parts.
A dirty filter can stress your home’s HVAC system and block airflow through the unit’s evaporator coil. When the air is blocked, the coil becomes extremely cold and can begin to freeze.
When the frozen coil thaws, the excess water can cause your pain to overflow. Keep a close eye on your air filter and replace it every month or two. If the filter looks dirty or clogged, it could be causing your air conditioner to leak water into your home.
Your AC is Low on Refrigerant
When the volume of refrigerant drops, so does the pressure in your air conditioner. This can cause the evaporator tube to freeze, causing a wet mess.
Check the refrigerant level if your air conditioner is not cooling your home as it should. Other signs include an unusual hissing or gurgling sound, which may indicate a leak.
If you discover the leak in time, you may still be able to repair the damage. Otherwise, you may have to pay for a whole new unit.
Check your HVAC system regularly to prevent these problems from occurring. Ideally, you should perform a thorough inspection at the beginning of each summer to prevent leaks and other problems.
Other Reasons for AC Leaks
There may be several other reasons why you have noticed your air conditioner leaking water in your home. If your air conditioner is older, there may be a rusted or damaged drain pan.
Air conditioners between 12 and 15 years old may need a new drain pan. Try replacing the old, rusty drain pan and see if that solves the problem.
Another possible cause of a leaking air conditioner may be a faulty condensate pump. The pump should pump out the water if the unit is installed in the basement.
If the pump is damaged, the water cannot be pumped out of the house. It is essential to have this component repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent water damage in your home.
When in doubt, it is best to seek the help of professionals. Air conditioning leaks that are ignored can go from an annoying drip to a potential flood in days or weeks. Always investigate the problem if you cannot locate the source of the problem.
Say Goodbye to a Leaking AC
If you know what to look for when your air conditioner leaks water, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. If you’re unsure why leaks are occurring, contact the professionals at Aircond Master for air conditioning repair, air conditioning service, air conditioning maintenance, and air conditioning installation.
With proper diagnosis, most air conditioning leaks can be easily fixed before they get out of hand. In most cases, you can fix the problem and continue to enjoy an excellent, leak-free home all summer long.
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For more information on our services and how we can help if you’re in Malaysia, visit AirCond Master or contact us today.