Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?
One of the top reasons why homeowners in Beaver Valley call to schedule air conditioner repair services is to solve water leaks from the indoor or outdoor unit. Although this may seem like a small AC repair issue at first, you’ll want to schedule services as soon as possible to avoid damages!
In a normal air conditioning system, the unit absorbs excess heat from your home and helps to control the relative humidity. When hot and humid air meets the cold evaporator coil, water droplets are formed. During normal operation, this condensation simply drains away, but there are a number of issues that may cause pooling around your air conditioner.
Call 724-417-9550 today to reach the experts at BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning if you have an air conditioner water leak! Based in Monaca, PA, our HVAC company provides fast and reliable AC repair services throughout the Beaver Valley area.
Why Is Water Leaking from My Air Conditioner?
If left undetected, standing water can cause damage to your home and encourage the growth of mold and mildew. Depending on the cause of the leak, remedies can range from simple to complex, but it’s important that you address the problem quickly to reduce the impact on your home and equipment. Common causes of water leakage include:
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The condensate line of your air conditioner runs from the overflow pan to the outdoors, channeling excess moisture from inside your home. If the line becomes clogged from algae, dirt, or sludge, water is unable to drain and may spill over the sides and pool around the base of the unit. Without proper attention, this may lead to serious AC repair issues.
Improper Air Conditioner Installation
Air conditioner water leaks may occur if the cooling system was improperly leveled or overcharged during installation, or if the model or size of the unit installed isn’t appropriate for your home’s specific needs.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
There are a number of issues that can lead to a frozen evaporator coil, including:
- Low refrigerant charge – Reduced pressure causes the evaporator coil to become much colder than normal.
- Dirty air filter – A clogged filter blocks the flow of air over the evaporator coil, causing temperatures to drop below freezing.
- Cold weather – Running your AC when outdoor temperatures are below 60 degrees can cause the coil to freeze.
Once the coil thaws, there may be a sufficient amount of water to cause the drain pan to overflow.
Cracked Drain Pan
Over time the pan may rust or crack, allowing water to leak through and pool below the air conditioner. To check for leaks, shine a flashlight from below the pan into the corners, and replace if needed.
Malfunctioning Condensate Pump
Most pumps are designed to remove standing water after it reaches a certain level, but a dirty or malfunctioning pump may fail to do the job.
How Much Water Should Drain from the Air Conditioner?
As your AC removes moisture from the indoor air, condensation is produced—it’s normal to see small amounts of water near the drain pipe or even a small puddle during exceptionally hot, humid weather. However, if you notice a larger leak or one that lasts for more than 24 hours, call BVSM for diagnosis and repair.
Schedule AC Repair in Beaver County, PA
For over 60 years, BVSM has been providing exceptional service to homeowners in the Beaver County area. Our HVAC company is based in Monaca and services the local areas throughout Aliquippa, Beaver Falls, Dormont, Economy, and Moon, PA. If you live nearby, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Contact BVSM today at 724-417-9550 to schedule AC repair or reach us online and let us know how we can help!
