California’s hot summers can lead to extensive wear and tear on your AC system.
If your air conditioning system leaks, you may wonder why it’s happening and if an AC spring tune-up is necessary. Find out what causes leaks in your AC and how to uncover a leak you can’t see.
Why Your Air Conditioner Forms Water
Most air conditioning systems do not have water in them at all but there is a special type of unit that uses a hot water fan coil that does have a source of water in them. For all other systems, they can still have water leaks caused by condensation. Water usually comes from the drain pipe where your condensation normally drains. If there is a clog in the system or a clog in your drain pan water may build up and trigger the float switch which cuts power to the system.
Condensation occurs in all ac systems. Hot air blows over the coil, causing condensation to form. Your evaporator coil behaves just like water droplets forming on a cold glass of water.
Water drips into a drain pan that leads to a condensate drain line as moisture forms.
How Can I Find A Leak In My Air Conditioner?
The most common places where the central air system leaks water are in four different places.
- Refrigerant
- Condensate pump
- Condensate drain line
- Evaporator coils drain pan
What Causes Water Leaks?
Blocked Drain Line
In most cases, a clogged condensate drain line causes your AC to leak inside the house. Dirt, dust, or mold can accumulate in the line over time. If your condensate drain line becomes clogged, water cannot flow outside of the house and drain, allowing water to build up and flood. Routine AC spring tune-up should keep this from happening.
It is easy to unclog the drain line by using a wet/dry vacuum to remove the debris. Once this is done, anything clogging it up should be removed, allowing water to flow again. In case wet/dry vac doesn’t work, you may need to get the help of a professional. These professionals use a powerful vacuum. They can clear the drain line of blockages.
Dirty Air Filter
It is recommended to change 1 inch thick filters every 60-90 days. Clean your air filter regularly in order to prevent your system from working harder, resulting in possible wear and tear.
A dirty filter strains your home’s HVAC system, and it can block the flow of air over the evaporator coil. Coils can start freezing when their air supply is blocked. The excess water from the melting coil can cause your pain to overflow as it melts. It’s important to change your air filter regularly. When the air conditioner filter looks extremely dirty or clogged, it might be the cause of the leak.
Low AC Refrigerant
When the volume of the refrigerant inside of your AC system gets lower, the pressure inside decreases as well. Your evaporator coil also has the potential to freeze, resulting in a water leak.
Check the refrigerant levels of your air conditioning system if your home is not cooling as it should be. Watch out for other signs of water leaks like unusual hissing and bubbling sounds.
Other Common Causes of an AC Water Leak
- Older air conditioning systems could have a rusted or damaged drain pan. A new pan may be needed for AC units that are between 12 and 15 years old.
- Broken condensate pump. The pump should be pumping water outside if the unit is installed in the basement. Water can’t be pumped outside of the home if your pump is broken. Water leaks can be avoided if this part is repaired or replaced Immediately.
- AC is poorly installed. There’s a great chance that the AC unit will have water leaks if the system hasn’t been installed in a level position, or connections in the drain system aren’t tight. Prevent this from happening by scheduling a professional installation done by a trusted HVAC contractor.
Why You Need An AC Spring Tune-up
Have your HVAC system inspected and maintained regularly to prevent water leak problems from occurring. The best time to have a comprehensive inspection is every Spring.
You should always turn to the professionals whenever you are unsure. If ignored, a leaking air conditioner can turn into a potential flood within a matter of days or weeks.
Contact the experts at Pacific Aire if you’re not sure why the leaks are occurring.
Fixing most air conditioning leaks before they become a major problem is easy with the right diagnosis. Get your home leak-free and cool before summer.
Visit https://bit.ly/pacificaire_ac_tune_up or call us at 805-737-2564 for more information on taking care of your HVAC system and to schedule an AC tune-up today.
