When you think of air conditioning, you probably don’t think of water. That’s why it can be pretty alarming if you find water dripping or puddling anywhere near your AC. But what does leaking water mean for your AC? Let’s talk about common reasons your air conditioner may be leaking water.
Condensation vs. Leaking AC
Houston is known for its extreme humidity, which means there’s a lot of moisture in the air. During the air conditioning process, it’s normal for condensation to form on your AC unit because the cool air extracts the humidity from your home’s air and turns it into water. If you notice a damp spot or a water puddle around your AC’s outdoor unit that dries up at the end of the day, your AC isn’t leaking – it’s just condensation from your air conditioner’s hard work.
Reasons Your AC May Be Leaking
If the water around your AC continues to pool or doesn’t go away, it’s a water leak, not condensation. Here are a few reasons your AC could be leaking:
- Dirty Air Filter: If you don’t change your air filter, it can get clogged with dust and debris that make their way into your AC system and settle on the coils, causing them to freeze. When the ice melts, your AC will leak water.
- Blocked Condensate Drain: Over time, mineral and debris buildup in your AC’s condensate drain can block the pipe and prevent condensation from flowing out of the pan and into the drain. When it overflows, it can cause water damage in your home.
- Cool Outdoor Temperatures: Turning on your air conditioner when it’s under 60 degrees outside can cause the coils to freeze up, allowing water to leak from your AC when it melts.
- Low Refrigerant Level: If your AC is slowly leaking refrigerant, your AC can’t work the way it’s supposed to and could freeze up.
- Faulty Installation: If your brand new AC system is leaking water, it could be improperly sized for your home, causing it to leak water.
If your AC is leaking water inside or outside of your home, it’s likely experiencing one of these problems. It’s important to closely monitor your air conditioner if you notice any water around it. You’ll need to call an AC company if the water continues to leak for more than a day or if it’s causing water damage inside your home.
Call a Professional for AC Repair
If you notice water leaking from your AC, don’t ignore it – call a professional HVAC company to inspect your system and make repairs if needed. While fixing your water leak could be as simple as thawing the coils and cleaning them, a water leak could indicate a much bigger problem with your AC, such as low refrigerant.
When you need AC repairs, count on Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing. We’ll send one of our expert technicians to your home to inspect your air conditioner, pinpoint the problem and give you a free estimate on repairs. If possible, we’ll even make the repairs during the same visit once you give us permission.
Contact us today for more information or to begin your service request.
