Why Your AC Is Leaking Water
Posted on: 1 August 2017
It's dangerous to use a leaking air conditioner (AC) is because it's a health hazard. For example, the moisture increases the risk of mold growth, and mold causes respiratory health issues. At the same time, the water can also cause electrical shorts and damage. Here are some of the reasons your AC may leak water:
The Drain Lien Is Clogged
The condensate drain line is responsible for getting rid of the condensation that inevitably forms when the AC is operating. This means anything that blocks the drain line interferes with the flow of water can cause leakage and forces the condensate to flow in the wrong direction. Common debris that may block the drain line includes algae, dirt, and rust, the latter especially with older units. Luckily, this is something you can easily prevent by regularly cleaning your AC's drainage system.
The Drain Line Is Damaged
In addition to clogging, damage to the drain line may also result in water leakage. Accidents, normal wear and tear, and service by non-professionals are some of the things that damage the drain line. Such damage is best handled by a technician.
The Temperatures Are Extremely Low
If you are noticing the water leaks only when the temperatures fall too low, then your AC may not be the culprit. Low temperature increases the rate of condensation and also means the collected condensate doesn't dry up at its normal rate. Left unattended, the collected water can easily overflow and appear as leakage from the unit.
The Condensate Pump Is Malfunctioning
Just like the name suggests, the condensate pump helps with your AC's drainage by pumping out the condensed moisture so it can flow out through the condensate drain line. This means the collected liquid will not flow out of the unit if the pump is malfunctioning. This will lead to accumulation, and finally overflow/leakage of the condensate.
The Filters Are Clogged
Dirty filters may also lead to water leakage issues, which is surprising since filters aren't directly connected with the drainage line. Unfortunately, dirty filters will cause condensation to form and freeze up on the evaporator coils. The leakage occurs when the ice melts.
As you can see, there are numerous causes of water leakage in an AC unit. In fact, it's difficult to diagnose the cause of the leakage merely by looking at the AC. What's more, some of the causes are serious while others are rather benign. An AC company like Winters Heating Cooling can be consulted for a diagnosis and service.
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