If you’ve found yourself asking, ‘Why is my AC leaking water inside my home?’ know that you’re not alone. Many homeowners rely on air conditioning systems during the hot summer days, so seeing an AC leaking water can be frustrating.
While water leaking from an AC may not present an immediate danger, it can lead to severe property damage over time.
When an AC leaks water inside a house, it can weaken the building’s structural integrity. Water can seep into walls, floors and ceilings, causing warping, sagging, or even rotting. In extreme cases, excess moisture due to a leaking AC can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive.
In this guide, we delve into common reasons your AC leaks water inside your house. We also offer troubleshooting tips to mitigate potential damage from unattended leaks.
Incorrect AC Installation
Improper AC installation can result in gaps between the condensate tray and the unit, causing water to spill. Leaks can also be caused by disconnected drain lines or if the central air conditioner is not properly leveled.
Tips:
- When installing a new unit, it’s best to leave the job to professionals. They can offer guidance in various areas, such as where to place your condenser or how much refrigerant to add, ensuring your AC’s smooth and optimal functioning.
- Hiring a Las Vegas AC repair and installation team like Sky Air & Heat can help you resolve leaks right away. They’ll inspect your system, identify the source of the leak and make the necessary repairs.
Clogged Drain Line
The condensate drain line is one of the most essential components of your air conditioner unit. Typically crafted from materials like metal or PVC, it runs through your home’s central air conditioning system and guides excess moisture outside.
The end of the drain line releases water as the system runs and moisture builds up. It prevents excess moisture from accumulating and potentially damaging ductwork and insulation.
Over time, dirt, dust, mold or sediment can block the drain line, preventing water from exiting your home. Water may gather in your unit and overflow from the drain pan.
Tips:
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- Turn off your unit and empty your drain pan of standing water. Wash the drain pan with water and regular detergent or dish soap. Scrub it well with baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice to eliminate rust spots and stubborn stains. Make sure to dry the drain pan before putting the parts back together.
- Locate the drain line and gauge the extent of the blockage. Using a long wire brush, meticulously scrub the line to remove all the debris.
- If a brush doesn’t help, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any obstructions in your drain line and allow water to flow freely.
To ensure seamless results, it’s best to rely on professionals. Our Las Vegas air conditioning repair specialists can effectively remove the blockage and restore the drain line’s functionality.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter is another reason your AC leaks water inside your home. They restrict airflow through your AC system, preventing the air from hitting the evaporator coil. This causes the evaporator coils to become too cold and freeze over. As the air conditioner turns on and off, the ice thaws, creating excess water that the drain line might struggle to hold, resulting in leaks.
Tips:
- First, inspect your filter to see if it’s dirty and needs cleaning or replacement. Some types of filters are reusable, while others need to be replaced.
- Filters should be changed every one to three months. However, if your air conditioner is constantly running or exposed to dusty surroundings, you should inspect and replace the filters more frequently. Keeping the filter clean can reduce an A/C unit’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
- For an in-depth inspection and timely replacement of air filters, you can count on our Las Vegas AC repair service. Our skilled technicians guarantee a smooth and efficient process, helping you maintain clean and well-circulated indoor air.
Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the chemical blend found inside your air conditioner’s copper coils. It shifts from liquid to gas when it absorbs and releases heat.
Absorbing heat from the indoors allows the refrigerant to cool the air. Then, it moves to the outdoor coil, releases the heat and repeats the process.
Low refrigerant levels reduce pressure in your AC unit, causing the evaporator coil to freeze. Once the ice melts, water in the drain pan overflows and leaks.
If left unchecked, low refrigerant can interfere with the pressure inside your AC system, causing the unit to work harder than it should. This can lead to lower efficiency and higher energy bills.
Tips:
- When it comes to low refrigerant levels, it’s essential to have your AC unit serviced by a trusted Las Vegas AC repair team as soon as possible.
- Watch out for signs, such as leaks, hissing noises from the unit, or warm air coming out instead of cold. Prompt action will keep your energy bills in check and prevent further damage to your AC system.
Broken Condensate Pump
A damaged condensate pump is another possible answer to the question, “Why is my AC leaking water inside my home?”
If your central HVAC unit is installed in the attic or basement, it may be more challenging for water to flow smoothly out of your drain line. In this case, you’ll need a condensate pump to remove water from the system efficiently.
When water in your condensate pump reservoir rises, the float switch activates, triggering the pump to drain water outside your home.
However, if the condensate pump or float switch breaks or malfunctions, it will fail to expel water. As a result, water will build up and start leaking.
Tip:
- Unfortunately, this problem cannot be resolved through DIY methods. Contact our Las Vegas air conditioning repair team and let us assess the extent of the damage and swiftly take appropriate measures.
Turn to Sky Air & Heat for Trusted AC Repair Service in Las Vegas
If your AC is leaking water, trust Sky Air & Heat to get it back up and running smoothly in no time.
Our technicians specialize in AC repair, installation and maintenance. We diagnose and treat all AC problems and offer industry-leading warranties on our parts and services. Have peace of mind knowing our technicians are highly trained and thoroughly background-checked to ensure you get safe and excellent results every time.
Schedule an appointment and improve your AC’s performance and service life.
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