In Canadian summer the air conditioner becomes an essential home appliance. Some days it has to run it all the time to keep the home well-ventilated and comfortable for day-to-day activities. However, in general, the air conditioner is likely to develop issues over time because of reasons such as lack of proper maintenance, constant usage, and changing weather — all resulting in the malfunction of the ac unit. The most common one is the problem of leaking and dripping water.
If an air conditioner is leaking, it results in added stress because the appliance fails to work properly and thus, fails to give you and your family the proper cooling that you need to withstand the heat.
This problem, a bane to the existence of many air conditioner owners, can be attributed to several factors. In this article, we will explain the reasons why air conditioner units leak and drip water and the steps that you can follow to fix it.
Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Is Leaking Water Outside
1. Blocked Drain Line
The first reason why your air conditioner might be leaking is a clogged drain line. This is a potential DIY project if you have the necessary tools, namely a wet-dry vacuum.
The condensate line can become blocked with fungi, algae, and debris. It’s necessary to clear the drain line every once in a while. You can call a professional or try to clean it yourself.
2. Broken Condensate Pump
The second reason the air conditioner leaks water could be a faulty condensate pump. The function of the pump is to drain out water thoroughly so that leakage is prevented. When the pump is broken or is malfunctioning because of the accumulation of dust and dirt, it results in water dripping — a clear indication that the pump is not working properly.
3. Dirty Air Filter
A dirty, clogged air filter will restrict air circulation and is at the root of many HVAC problems during the summer and winter. The solution is simple and one that you can definitely DIY. Just remember to:
check the air conditioner filter every 30 days for excessive dirt and debris AND
change it at least every three months. Change the filter before you turn on your air conditioning at the start of the cooling season, as well.
4. Hole in Condensate Pan
The pan which catches air conditioning condensate may rust or form cracks. Often these cracks are minuscule and are difficult to spot with the naked eye. Check the pan using a flashlight for better visibility. Minor cracks are repairable, but you must replace a badly damaged condensate pan.
5. Temperature Too Cold
When the outdoor temperature is below 16°C, it’s really too cold to run your cooling system. The air conditioner is likely to freeze up.
As a result, your drain pan could overflow, resulting in water leakage around your outdoor unit. In this case, you might want to check that your thermostat is working correctly and that it is positioned away from any sources of heat (which could make for an overly high-temperature reading).
6. Low Refrigerant Level
The liquid refrigerant is an essential air conditioner component — it absorbs the heat from your house. Occasionally your cooling system may leak refrigerant. The lowered refrigerant level makes the pressure drop, and the evaporator coils ice up. You’ll need to pursue two repairs for this common air conditioner problem (both of which require expert help) — a top-up of refrigerant and elimination of the leak.
7. Other Reasons Why Is Your AC Dripping Water
There may be a few other reasons why you notice that your air conditioner is leaking water inside your home. If your air conditioning system is older, you could have a rusted or damaged drain pan.
AC units that are between 12 and 15 years old may need a new pan. Try replacing an old, rusty drain pan and see if this remedies the issue.
In Conclusion
If you notice your air conditioner leaking water inside, don’t hesitate to call a professional to have it dealt with. At Vese Heating & Heating, we know a thing or two about installing and maintaining AC units.
We know what is best for our customers in Edmonton and we will ensure that you’re living comfortably in your home with a highly functioning air conditioner. Visit our site, or give us a call (825)343-6222 to take a closer look at the many services that we offer, and contact us to arrange for our dedicated team of professionals to come and solve your AC problems.
