AC Leaking Water: What to Do And When to Call a Pro

Naturally, homeowners don’t want their AC leaking water. Some even wonder if leakage suggests a problem with the system. Luckily, not every leaky AC needs to be replaced.

Ray & Son Heating & Air Conditioning knows the difference between which problems need professional assistance and which ones don’t. When hot and humid weather hits southern Georgia, you need an air conditioner without leaks. Don’t worry –  with these tips we make it happen.

AC Leaking Water? Common Causes

There are different levels of leakage for cooling systems. Some leaks are actually normal! Here’s when to tell if a leak needs attention or if it’s part of the air conditioning process.

  • Cracked drain pan. First, a cracked drain pan causes leaks. When a drain pan cracks, it doesn’t hold water as well as it should which causes spills onto the floor or area around the unit. If ignored, the water could spread to nearby flooring in a finished basement.
  • Indoor humidity. An AC leaking water sometimes stems from excessive indoor humidity. Humidity collects within air conditioning units, which accumulates as water droplets. Too much humidity means potential leakage.
  • Obstructions. Blockages in the condensate line also lead to water leakage. If something obstructs the line, water cannot properly exit the system. This causes water to leak from the unit.
  • Normal dripping. Normal water leakage happens when temperatures rise. Water condenses as it enters the air conditioning unit, so it collects on the coils and into the drain pan. Therefore, slight water drips from the condensate pipe or drain pan are completely normal. This is why the condensate pan exists!

AC Leaking Water: Frozen Coils

Frozen coils lead to an AC leaking water, which is a common issue in the summer months even in the South. Before you call a professional, try these tips if your AC leaks water.

  • Replace filters. Overfilled air filters lead to problems with system performance which causes frozen coils, so make sure you check your filters every month. Change as needed. Clean filters promote normal airflow in and out of the system, which decreases the chance for leaks.
  • Turn it off. If your system has frozen coils, turn off the air conditioning system. This lets the ice melt completely. When half melted, ice drips water all over the place. It’s best to let it melt all the way. Then you know the true source of the water.
  • Restart. After a few hours, restart the system. If everything goes to plan, the air conditioner should not leak after all ice has melted. However, if leaks continue, it’s time to call a professional.

When a Leaky AC Needs Professional Help

Finally, there are several fixes no homeowner should attempt. These are all things that must be taken care of by a qualified technician.

  • Refrigerant leaks. Most importantly, do not refill the refrigerant. Because of its high toxicity, the refrigerant must be handled by professionals. When improperly handled, refrigerant causes respiratory problems, chemical burns, and frostbite. Stay safe and leave refrigerant to the pros!
  • Coils continue to freeze.  When coils continue to refreeze after you have thawed them, you need an air conditioning professional. He or she inspects and properly solves the issue to prevent future AC leaks.
  • Improper installations. Sometimes, an AC leaking water occurs because of improper installation. In general, leave these types of fixes to qualified technicians. Get it right the first time with the help of a qualified professional.

Contact Us if You Have an AC Leaking Water

An AC leaking water doesn’t have to ruin your summer. Get the leak fixed fast to ensure a comfortable environment when temperatures in Georgia reach unbearable levels. When you need professional help, Ray & Son Heating & Air Conditioning has your back.

Call us today to schedule an appointment. Our team serves the Nashville and Valdosta areas, including the communities of Ashburn, Madison, Alapaha, Douglas, Lake Park, Lennox, Hahira, and Jasper. We also handle HVAC issues in Cogdel, Ocilla, Fitzgerald, Homerville, Lakeland, Tifton, Moultrie, Naylor and Statenville.

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