An air conditioner maintains a cool and comfortable indoor atmosphere during hot summer months. Unfortunately, as long as the air conditioner is working fine, most homeowners neglect it, and the AC eventually develops issues like water leaks. If left alone, water leaks can damage your floor and ceiling.
You should have your AC unit checked right away by an HVAC professional when you notice signs of water leaks. The following are the main reasons for AC leaks and how you can fix them.
1. Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant converts warm air into cool air in your home. When the refrigerant level drops, the pressure inside your AC unit also decreases, and so does the refrigerant temperature. Eventually, low temperatures freeze the evaporator coils. As a result, the AC strains to cool your home and overheats. The heat then causes the frost on the coils to melt and drip down.
Refrigerant is a toxic substance, and prolonged exposure to the leaks can harm you and the environment. So, when you spot refrigerant issues in your AC, contact a certified HVAC professional to fix the problem.
2. Clogged Drain Line
When your AC drain line clogs, the water collected in the condensate tray can't drain outwards. Eventually, water overflows in the tray and begins to leak from the AC's body. The drain line usually clogs when mold, dust, and debris block your AC unit's drain line.
Most modern air conditioner systems have a shutoff feature that prevents AC damage when the drain line clogs. So, if your modern unit suddenly shuts down, a clogged drain line is the most likely cause.
An expert can unclog your pipe and clean the drain line to allow water to flow unimpeded. If leaks persist even after you unblock the pipes, the pipes might be too old. You should install new pipes to improve your AC's efficiency.
3. Damaged or Old Condensate Tray
The condensate tray harnesses the condensed water from your air conditioning unit. As you fix the drain line, also check the tray for any holes, cracks, or notches. The tray wears out as your AC unit ages. Eventually, it develops cracks that trigger unexpected water leaks.
If the condensate tray cracks, a technician can use sealants to fix it. However, if rust takes a toll on the tray, you should replace it with a new one.
For an efficient and dependable AC unit, you should sign up for annual AC maintenance. This way, the professionals will regularly service your air conditioner, and AC issues leakage issues won't cause severe effects.
For more information, reach out to an air conditioning repair service.
