Why Is Your Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

Have you noticed your air conditioner leaking water? You’re not alone among Texas property owners. Cooling leaks happen often, thanks to our extended heat and humidity during the summer months, and it helps to recognize when there’s a problem.

Triple A AC, Heating, & Plumbing’s local experts provide AC repair in Haslet, TX. Below, the professionals share more about air conditioning leaks. HVAC technicians take certain steps to resolve these leaks while protecting your HVAC system from damage and preserving your indoor comfort. 

How Does an Air Conditioner Produce Water?

Before diving into the causes of a leaking air conditioner, let’s explore why water droplets form on or inside your air conditioner.

Your air conditioner simultaneously cools your space and removes humidity from the air. How? Hot air cools down as it runs over the indoor evaporator coil, and the refrigerant absorbs the heat. However, the secondary effect of warm air touching a cold surface is that the vapor in it condenses.

As these condensation droplets form on the evaporator coil’s surface, they drip into the air conditioner’s drain pan. From there, the water flows away through the condensate drain line. When any part of this drainage system malfunctions, you’ll see your air conditioner leaking water onto the floor or wall instead of moving it outdoors.

Common Reasons for an Air Conditioner Leaking Water in Haslet, Texas

Does your HVAC system seem to be leaking water? Here are some possibilities to consider.

Clogged Condensate Drain Line

An air conditioner leaking water might signal a blocked condensate drain. Debris, dust, mold, and algae accumulate, so the water may back up into the drain pan or leak directly from the cooling unit. 

The following signs indicate a clogged condensate drain line:

• Water pools around your indoor air conditioner unit as the drain pan overflows.
• Musty odors come from the air vents, indicating mold and bacterial growth.
• Your HVAC system shuts off unexpectedly, a safety mechanism due to a full drain pan.

Dirty Air Filter

Clogged, dirty air filters in the HVAC unit restrict airflow, leading to poor cooling performance. Without enough warm air moving over the evaporator coil, your evaporator coil might freeze. Later, when the frozen evaporator coil thaws, the runoff can inundate the drain pan and overflow.

Replacing your air conditioner filter every 30 to 90 days should maintain proper airflow and prevent coil freezes.

Low Refrigerant Levels

When pressurized refrigerant leaks and falls below proper levels, there’s even more risk of your air conditioner leaking water due to incomplete evaporation. The moisture on the outside of the coil will form frost or ice, leading to runoff as it melts.

Two of the tell-tale signs of a refrigerant leak are a hissing sound or a chemical odor. You should never handle refrigerant, so always contact a qualified HVAC professional for help if you notice these issues.

Damaged Drain Pan

Older air conditioning units often have rusted or cracked drain pans. If so, water escapes. 

An HVAC technician can inspect your unit’s drain pan and line to repair any damage. 

Improper Air Conditioning Installation

A cooling system leaking water may also track back to its original installation. Was the drain line properly positioned? 

If you’d like to be sure, have a qualified HVAC expert like Triple A AC, Heating, & Plumbing take a look.

Preventing Future Air Conditioner Water Leaks

Is the air conditioner leaking water? Try these simple maintenance steps:

• Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance: HVAC professionals catch problems to ensure optimal cooling performance and energy efficiency.  
• Replace air filters regularly: Clean filters aid in efficiency and prevent coil freezing.
• Flush the condensate drain line: A vinegar solution down the drain every few months can help. Ask your HVAC technician how to do this.

For safety reasons, you might also consider installing a float switch. It shuts off your air conditioner if the drain pan overflows.