When your air conditioner works properly, it should convert liquids into gases and back into liquid again. However, when you notice your air conditioner leaking water, there’s something wrong. Water should not leak out of your air conditioner. It can be dangerous if ignored for too long. The best way to prevent this problem from becoming a more significant issue is to be proactive and call an HVAC professional right away.
Why would an air conditioner start leaking water, and why is it so dangerous? The Romaniuk team is your expert when it comes to cooling services. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn these answers and so much more. Read on to find out why water leaking from your air conditioner isn’t good and why it should concern you.
Causes of a Leaking AC System
Before we discuss the dangers of a leaking air conditioner, let’s establish why this could be happening. Here’s why your AC unit could be dripping.
Dirty Air Filter
Changing the air filters is AC maintenance 101. A dirty air filter is the most common culprit behind an air conditioner leaking water. That’s because your AC’s air filter is supposed to stop dust, dirt, and debris from getting into your unit. However, when an air filter gets covered with dirt, airflow cannot make its way to the evaporator coil. It results in a lack of warm air and gives you a frozen coil. The result is water leaking when ice melts.
Drain Line Clog
A clogged drain line is another reason for water dripping from your air conditioner. During the cooling process, your AC unit forms condensation, which usually leaves through a drain line. When the drain line gets clogged with dirt, mold, or algae, water cannot drain out like it usually does. In turn, the water backs up and starts leaking out of your air conditioning system.
Damaged Drain Pan
Like other parts of your HVAC system, your drain pan can suffer from basic wear and tear. This can often come in the form of rusting and holes that allow the water to get through. This usually happens after 12-15 years; a new one is sure to stop a dead water leak in its tracks.
Broken Condensate Pump
When your condensate pump is broken, it can also cause water to leak out of your air conditioner. That’s because the pump sends condensation collected from your air conditioner outside or through your drain line. If something goes wrong with this pump or it breaks, there’s nowhere for the condensation to go. This leads to water coming out of your AC unit.
Low Refrigerant Levels
When there isn’t enough refrigerant in your AC unit, water can start leaking. Refrigerant is an important part of air conditioners because it takes the heat away from the indoor air the system absorbs. In turn, it lowers the temperatures in the evaporator coil to cool your home. However, when the coil gets too cold, freezes, and eventually melts, the excess water starts leaking out of your air conditioner.
The Dangers of a Leaking Air Conditioner
What makes a leaking air conditioner dangerous? There are several reasons to be worried when your air conditioner leaks water. Let’s discuss them and settle this argument once and for all.
Mold Growth Site
Moist spaces act as breeding grounds for mold growth. This is something to worry about because mold exposure can cause health issues, especially for those with conditions such as allergies and asthma. If ignored, mold can make its home in your HVAC system and ductwork, contaminating your indoor air quality.
Water Leaking Onto Electrical Components
Electric + water = big problem! If water from your air conditioner is leaking onto electrical components, it needs attention right away. When water from your AC unit drips onto electrical parts, you risk system failure, starting a fire or even electrocution. This isn’t a problem you can fix on your own. You’ll need the help of an air conditioning expert.
Dealing With an AC Water Leak
Your air conditioner is leaking water. You might wonder, “What now?” There are a few things you can do to prevent further damage and resolve the problem sooner.
Turn Off Your AC Unit
When water is leaking out of your air conditioner, you should turn it off right away. You will need to find the circuit breaker, turn it off, and disconnect the power supply from your AC system.
Call an HVAC Technician
Next, you should call a professional HVAC technician to address the issue. They can inspect and repair your air conditioner and help you determine the cause of the leak. This will stop the water from continuing to leak and cause damage to your AC system.
Dry It Up
After your HVAC technician has worked their magic, it’s time for cleanup. Take a towel and dry up where the water leaked. It will protect your AC from further damage and eliminate any chance of mold growth.
Fix Your Leaking Air Conditioner Today!
Water leaking out of your air conditioner can be a cause for concern. That’s because puddles can do more harm than good if left for too long. Finding your air conditioner leaking water can be caused by multiple things, including dirty air filters, a clogged drain line, a broken condensate pump, or low refrigerant levels. A knowledgeable, professional HVAC technician can diagnose these problems.
If water is leaking out of your air conditioner, there’s no need to stress. The professional HVAC technicians from Romaniuk in Edmonton are here to help. Contact us to learn more about our AC repair services today.
Leaking AC FAQs
Is it safe to use AC if water is leaking?
If water is leaking from your air conditioner for long enough, it can cause serious damage. Shut off your air conditioner right away and call in professional help if this is happening.
What to do when your AC is dripping water?
When your air conditioner is dripping water, you should turn it off right away to prevent further damage, especially if there is a lot of water around the unit. If water gets on the electrical components, you risk causing a potential fire or electrocution.
Can a leaking AC make you sick?
A leaking AC system has the potential to make you sick. That’s because damp and dark environments are the perfect recipe for mold growth. It’s harmful to breathe in mold, especially if you have existing respiratory conditions.
Can I leave my AC on if it’s leaking?
No, you should turn off your air conditioner if it’s leaking water. Leaving it running isn’t safe if there are puddles around it, and it will also prevent further damage to your air conditioning system.
How long will an AC run with a leak?
When your air conditioning unit leaks, it will not last very long. Depending on the size of the leak, it can range from a couple of weeks to a few months.
How much water is normal to leak from AC?
It’s normal to find a little bit of condensation around your air conditioner. However, this condensation usually dries up fairly quickly in hot weather. When there is more water than usual, you should call a professional.