Walking into a mechanical room or storage space to find a puddle of water is never a pleasant circumstance for homeowners or property managers alike. This could lead to extensive and expensive damage to your walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. Could your indoor AC unit be the cause of a leak?
Although it’s less of a risk to the structure of your home, a leak from an outdoor HVAC system can present just as great of a headache, as it may result in you needing to replace your entire unit if you don’t act fast.
In this post, our experienced HVAC technicians at ACHV Services share the most common causes of an AC water leak and steps to take to mitigate any further damage.
What to Do FIRST if AC Unit is Leaking?
If you discover a water leak from your AC unit, the first and most important thing for you to do is to check your evaporator coil. This part looks like a coiled tube with fins. You’re going to want to do this ASAP.
Did you find it? If it’s covered with ice, turn the unit off immediately. A frozen evaporator coil puts your system in danger of failure, meaning it could need replacing – and that’s not always a cheap fix. The puddle of water is likely coming from the melting ice and could indicate a serious problem in need of addressing.
AC components covered in ice? After shutting off your unit,
contact a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose the problem.
This isn’t a task you want to DIY.
Hopefully, the problem is as simple as a clogged air filter preventing airflow, which can result in a frozen coil.
Pro tip: don’t try and chip the ice away, as you could damage this sensitive part beyond repair.
Other Possible Causes of an AC Water Leak
Even if your coil isn’t frozen, it’s a good idea to shut off your AC if you notice any water dripping from any part of your system. This ensures you prevent any additional damage to your space. This is especially important if your unit is on the roof, attic, or crawl space. It may just save you from a roof replacement.
Here are 4 other potential bugs causing a leak in your AC:
1. Dirty Coils
If you haven’t been giving your AC unit the TLC & maintenance it deserves, you may find a coating of dust or caked-up grime on the AC coils. Condensation collects on the outside of the evaporator coil, but it is supposed to be able to drain down into a pan. If any kind of blockage (such as dirt) prevents that from happening, it can cause a leak.
Fortunately, this is no big deal. You just need your coils cleaned, which our local pros at ACHV Services can take care of, quick and easy. What’s important is that you call us as soon as possible to take care of the problem before it gets worse – because it will if left unmanaged.
2. Insulation Damage
Your evaporator coils have insulation that keeps condensation flowing down. If this insulation is damaged, water can drip to places it’s not supposed to be. If this is the case, you should call/text an HVAC technician as soon as you notice the issue to repair or replace the insulation.
3. Disconnected Drain Line
This may occur if your AC drain line was installed poorly. That’s why it’s important to hire a reputable, trustworthy, qualified company to do the job, like us.
The drain line might get disconnected and cause a big leak. While this can make a big mess, it’s normally quickly resolved with the help of an experienced HVAC pro.
Notice a leak in your AC? Reach out to ACHV Services, and we’ll get the job done right the first time!
4. Clogged Drain Line
A lack of maintenance can also cause a clog in your drain line. Water will back up and eventually leak or overflow from the line or pan.
Learn More > Homeowner’s Guide to Air Conditioner Maintenance
Patch Up Problems with Our 5-Star HVAC Services
Leaks of any kind are frustrating and potentially costly nuisances, especially when it means having to shut off your AC in our hot Florida climate. In some cases, the fix may not be a big deal, but if ignored, leaks can quickly grow out of hand and do serious damage to your home, not to mention your bank account.
As soon as you notice any kind of leak from your indoor or outdoor unit, call/text our Tampa area HVAC technicians to rely on experts you can trust!
