Why Your Air Conditioner is Leaking and How To Fix it
Facing a leaking Air Conditioner problem?
Are you stuck with a leaking air conditioner as you try to get by this summer heat? If you are then there’s a solution for you which doesn’t really require the help of a professional to some extent. Below are some reasons why your air conditioner probably leaks and how to fix it;
- Frozen Evaporator Coils
One of the major causes of a leaking air conditioner is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter cannot allow air pass through it easily, which causes the evaporator coils to get frozen. This happens because refrigerants flow through the evaporator coils and require proper airflow to absorb heat. If this airflow is obstructed, ice will form in no time and drip water.
Other times, frozen evaporator coils can also be caused by dirty coils, lack of refrigerant, blocked vents, or broken blower motor.
When the evaporator coils are frozen, it means that your refrigerant can’t take in the heat from your home. This will in to time lead to warm or no air and might cause problems for your compressor. When you observe that the evaporator coil is frozen, the next thing is to turn off your air conditioner immediately until you’ve solved the problem.
A great way to avoid a frozen evaporator coil is to make it a constant exercise of replacing your air filter every 30-90 days and resist from covering air vents or registers. Ensure to change your air filter more in the summer since your air conditioner will be running for a much longer period of time. Set reminders to help you along the way.
If replacing your air filter and clearing the vents doesn’t fix the problem, there’s a possibility of a low refrigerant charge, which requires the services of a professional.
- Cracked or Overflowing Drain Pan
This is one major cause of a leaking air conditioner. Check your drain pan for cracks or overflow. Your drain pan is located underneath your air handler which covers your evaporator coil and takes in any condensation from your air conditioning unit. Turn off the unit and check your drain pan and pipe for leaks. The pipe is connected to your drain pan and discharges the condensate outside all the time.
Use a wet-dry vacuum to clean the overflow pan and check the all-around with the help of a flashlight. A temporary way to fix a cracked drain pan is with water sealant but it’s always better to replace the damaged pan.
Remember that there are usually two drain pans, one located underneath the evaporator coils which is permanently fixed while the other underneath the unit which is removable. If you decide to cover up the leak, you will have to leave the permanent one in place in the process. If there’s a need to replace the permanent one, then you might have to call a professional to help you get that done.
- Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The third reason why your air conditioner might be leaking is a clogged drain line. 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 try to do it yourself or call a professional:
- Locate the PVC pipe near your air handler’s drain pan. It should have a piece of pipe sticking up at a 90 degree angle with a little cap on top.
- Unscrew the cap and pour about six ounces of vinegar down the drain line. Doing this every few months will kill any algae or fungi that develops in your line. If your drain line is still clogged, you will have to decide if you will call a professional or use a wet-dry vacuum to clear the line yourself.
- Locate your outdoor condensate drain line near your condenser unit, connect your wet-dry attachment, and turn the vacuum on. Most home improvement stores sell an attachment that connects your wet-dry vacuum with your outdoor drain.
Kindly share this post with others if you think it would help someone who’s constantly having leakage issues with their air conditioning unit out this summer.
