Your AC leaking water is not something you want to see. However, water leaks on AC units happen, and there are some common causes for it. What’s important to remember is that these leaks typically aren’t dangerous – unless it is a refrigerant or Freon leak. Freon is a dangerous chemical unless being handled by an expert. So if you believe that is what’s leaking, call an expert. For water leaks, you shouldn’t panic – but you still need to get it fixed.
Are AC Leaks Dangerous?
As stated before, AC leaks are only dangerous if they are Freon or refrigerant leaks. They are not terribly common, but they do occur. Water leaks, on the other hand, are not dangerous and occur more often. Both of these leaks should be handled by HVAC professionals if and when they do occur. To determine if your AC is leaking, look for standing or dripping water around the unit, a moldy smell in the house, a full condensate pan and water damage in the area around the unit.
Common Causes of AC Water Leaks
There are three primary causes of AC water leaks:
- Condensate drain line clogged – The most common cause of leaks, the condensate drain is where water goes after being pulled from the air. If the drain gets clogged by dirt and debris, it can lead to leaks.
- Frozen evaporator coils – This is caused when the air filter gets too dirty, as it reduces the airflow over the coils. With reduced airflow, there is less heat to absorb – so the coils freeze over. The ice that forms drips water, which is what causes the leak.
- Overflowing or cracked drain pan – The drain pan is responsible for catching any condensation that comes from the evaporator coils. If the pan is cracked or overflowing, there will be leakage from your unit.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, it’s best to contact your local HVAC company to have them fix it. For the Pensacola and Emerald Coast area, be sure to contact Express Air for all your HVAC needs.
