During the heat and summer months, your air conditioner is going to be hard at work keeping your home cool!
In some instances, you might notice your AC is leaking water inside the house, instead of outside. Don’t worry or panic! There are a few simple reasons this may be happening, and they are quick fixes you might even be able to do!
Below are a few tips and suggestions as to what is going on with your unit, when you can solve the problem and when to call a professional for your AC leak.
Clogged Drain Line
One of the reasons your AC may be leaking inside is if the drain line is clogged. When drain lines get clogged, all the water that is meant to go outside will be backed up into your home. The problem may be as simple as clearing out any dirt, dust or even mold that has built up in your drain lines.
Getting a wet/dry vacuum and cleaning out the area can be a quick fix to your AC leak. If you find that this doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to contact a professional. Typically, they have more powerful, effective tools, like vacuums, that can clear out any blockage!
Change Out Your Air Filter
If your AC is leaking into your home, the problem could be as simple as a dirty air filter! Usually, these should be changed monthly, but of course, it is easy to forget to do this quick maintenance.
As the air circulates to keep your home cool, a dirty air filter can make your unit work harder than it needs to. This can lead to damage or can even block the air flow. When air is blocked, the evaporator coil inside your air conditioner can freeze. So, the water that drips out into the drain line and goes outside is not produced. Excess water from the coil can then back up into your home, and cause a great mess.
To avoid that, and stop any leaks, change out your air filter every month or so, so that your air flow stays consistent and everything is working properly.
Low Refrigerant
If your AC is low on refrigerant, this can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up, much like a dirty air conditioning filter.
You may notice that your home isn’t cooling down as much as it should. This could be a sign of low refrigerant levels. Also, your unit might even be making hissing or bubbling noises. If any of these are present, check your refrigerant levels!
Other Suggestions
Besides the suggestions above, try checking your drain pan! On AC systems that are several years old, the pan that water drips into from the evaporator coil can rust. This may lead water to leak out. Change out the pan and see if the problem stops after.
Get your HVAC system routinely inspected and checked every year. This easy upkeep can prevent any leaks, and save your home from any water damage.
If your AC is leaking water, it is best to quickly determine the cause and take steps to fix the leak. Putting it off or ignoring the problem can lead to more damage to your HVAC system, and may result in great damage to your home or a possible replacement.
Put a Stop to AC Leaks Today!
If you have tried all suggestions and the problem still continues, it may be time to call in a professional who can better determine the source and recommend the best plan of action. Contact Service Wizard AC today for a tune-up or repair to keep your AC system in the best shape, and your home leak-free and cool!