You depend on your AC unit to keep you cool all summer long, so when it starts to leak either inside your home or in an apartment it can be alarming. When an AC is leaking water, it can be a sign of several issues that may need attention. Hearn Plumbing Heating and Air HVAC technicians are here to help you understand why your AC may be leaking water.
So can you use your AC when it’s leaking water and is water leaking from an air conditioning unit dangerous? Typically it’s ok to run your AC if it’s leaking water, although it may be a mess if it’s leaking in the garage, from the vent, or if it’s a window AC leaking water. The water leaking from your air conditioning unit isn’t dangerous, as long as you’re sure it’s not refrigerant/coolant.
Damaged Drain Pan
Damage to your AC’s drain pan can cause water to leak out from beneath the unit. The drain pan is responsible for collecting condensation from the coil after it pulls humid air from within your home. When these get damaged, the excess water can leak from the pan and flow out of the unit.
Clogged or Damaged Drain Line
Damaged, or clogged drain lines can cause water to leak from within your AC unit. The drain line removes moisture accumulated near the evaporator coil and carries it to a designated location outside of the unit. Over time, mold and other debris build-up, leading to a blockage.
Failed Condensate Pump
If your AC unit is installed anywhere below ground level, it may rely on a condensate pump to help drain water from the drain pan. A failed condensate pump could be behind an AC leaking water due to it failing to pump the water up and out of your home properly.
Frozen Coil
A frozen coil happens when there’s a lack of airflow or a refrigerant leak within your AC unit. If your AC unit is leaking water from the coil, it’s most likely frozen up causing an ice block to form within your unit causing water to overwhelm the drain pan and line creating a leak even when shut off. By simply shutting off your AC unit and allowing the ice to melt, you can typically get your AC back up and running within a few hours.
What To Do When Your AC Is Leaking Water
When your AC is leaking water don’t panic, it’s a common occurrence with all air conditioning units. Call your local HVAC experts at Hearn Plumbing Heating and Air to help fix any AC leaks you’re experiencing anywhere within the Madison, Lake Geauga, or Ashtabula, OH areas. You’ll get quality service for all of your HVAC and air conditioning needs from certified and licensed HVAC technicians who have the right tools and experience to get the job done right.