Air conditioners use condensation and evaporation to cool the air inside your home, so there’s some water involved in the process. Normally, the condensation collects in a drain pan. Water leaks can start from a problem with the drainage system, or you might have a frozen up AC equipment that drips water as it melts.
Some of the causes and solutions for an AC water leak are simple procedures that any homeowner can do themselves. When you’re left scratching your head, go ahead and call for AC repairs before you end up with water damage or mold problems!
Trouble with the Drain Line
The condensation that naturally occurs during the air conditioning process goes through a tube called the drain line and into a drain pan on the ground. When everything is working, the drain line is properly connected at both ends and the drain pan lies flat. There’s never too much water for the drain pan.
If your air conditioner is leaking water anywhere near the drain system, check whether the drain line looks clogged, has become disconnected. Also check that the drain pan is in good condition (not rusted) and sits flat.
Freezing and Melting
Pooling water around the air conditioner? That water could be melted ice. Evaporator coils tend to freeze up when there’s a blocked airflow, a refrigerant leak, or low refrigerant levels. Any problem that causes the air conditioner to work overtime to cool the home might cause a frozen AC unit. When the AC unit finally cycles off, that ice will melt. You’ll need an HVAC professional to investigate.
Airflow Problems
Air conditioning leaks water from various places besides the main indoor and outdoor units. Uninsulated ducts in a hot and humid attic, for example, can form condensation like a glass of ice water. Check your air filter and look for any obvious causes for blocked airflow, then call for AC repairs if necessary.
AC Repairs in Chicago’s North Shore
If your ac is leaking water, the best first step is to turn it off so the ice can melt. Then go about cleaning and protecting your home from water damage if possible. In the meantime, make an appointment for air conditioning repairs. You’ll want to get the leaking AC unit fixed before running it again.
In Glenview and throughout Chicago’s North Shore, the neighborly experts at Glenbrook Heating & Air Conditioning can help diagnose the cause of an air conditioner water leak and get things back to normal.
Contact us to request AC repairs. Emergency services available.
