When you have a water leak in your home, you may be expecting a problem with water pipes that can be handled by your local plumber. If, on the other hand, your air conditioner is leaking water, you may not be so certain which steps to take to resolve the issue, or even know how serious a leaking air conditioner can be.
In fact, water leaks caused by your air conditioner should be handled quickly to stay cool and dry and to prevent water damage to your home. Read on to learn if you can handle repairing a leaking air conditioner yourself or if you should call in an HVAC service provider.
Air Conditioners and Condensation
There are a few different reasons your air conditioner may be leaking water. Though, the water comes from only one source — condensation forming on the cold evaporator coil.
As warm return airflow is pulled across the evaporator coil, water vapor in the air stream condenses on the evaporator’s surface — much the same as water droplets forming on a cold glass of water on a warm summer day. The water condensation is completely normal in an air conditioning system, but water leaks are not.
Remedying Air Conditioner Leaks
Under normal air conditioner operation, the condensation that forms on the evaporator drips into a condensate pan. Gravity pulls the water into a drain tube and empties into your home’s plumbing or it’s conveyed outside your home. If your air conditioner is leaking, it’s likely due to one of the following issues:
- The condensate pan overflows due to a blockage, such as debris and mold growth.
- A faulty float switch fails to turn off the air conditioner.
- The leak may be due to a rusted or cracked condensate pan.
You can clear a clogged drain line using a wet/dry vacuum to pull the blockage through the line. Broken float switches and pans should be inspected and replaced by an HVAC professional.
If you have a leaking air conditioner, stay calm, cool and dry by contacting Roth Heating & Cooling for the best HVAC services in the Portland area.
