Why is my Air Conditioner Leaking?

Entering the hottest months of the year, your air conditioning system is likely working in full force. To keep your system functioning in these stressful conditions, it is important to provide your unit with proper care and keep your eye out for anything unusual. 

One problem to look out for is excess water pooling around your air conditioning unit. Not only can this signify an issue with your HVAC unit, but it can also create costly water damage in your home. This is why leaky AC systems require quick, expert attention. Here are three of the primary suspects of why your air conditioner may be leaking, brought to you by your Sacramento-based HVAC technicians at Bonney. 

Air Conditioner Leak Problem 1: Condensate Line Issues

When air passes through your HVAC system in the spring and summer seasons, it transitions from a warm temperature into a cooler temperature. A fact you might remember from your high school chemistry class—warm air can carry more water molecules than cool air. During the cooling process, warm air sheds excess humidity before circulating throughout your home. Where does this extra water go? It is carried away by your system’s drain line, also called a condensate line. 

Your condensate line is a pipe leading outside. It is often a narrow pipe to prevent critters from entering your system. The small, dark, and wet nature of your drain line’s interior makes it susceptible to algae and bacteria growth, which can block your drainage system. This line can also become clogged by dirt and debris. When water cannot pass through your condensate line, it can backflow and leak into your home. Thankfully, the drain line can be quickly and easily cleaned by an expert. You can also prevent this issue entirely with AC tune-ups.

Air Conditioner Leak Problem 2: Drain Pan Issues

Before water can be carried away by the condensate line, it must first be caught by your HVAC’s drain pan. However, issues with the drain pan could be leaving this water spilling throughout your home instead. Holes, rust, damage, and blockage can all prevent your drain pan from properly functioning. Small drain pan issues can be repaired, but more severe problems may require a replacement. 

Air Conditioner Leak Problem 3: Frozen Coils or Parts

Your air conditioner’s coils are responsible for emitting most of your system’s cooling properties. However, if your coil is dirty, blocked, or leaking refrigerant, this issue can begin to cool your system internally instead of allowing it to properly function. This will create a layer of ice and frost over your system. Dirty HVAC units and the problems associated with them are often caused by dirty air filters. Both HVAC coil and filter cleaning are included in a professional maintenance visit, which is one of the many reasons why regular HVAC maintenance is necessary for a healthy, functioning unit. 

When your HVAC cuts off, breaks down, or stops working at night once the external temperature cools down, this ice will begin to melt and leak from your system. The repair needed depends on the source of this problem. An expert air conditioning specialist will be able to easily diagnose this issue and work with you to create an AC repair plan.

Sacramento-Based HVAC and Plumbing Service | Bonney

If your air conditioner is leaking, you need an HVAC expert to help get you back on track. The certified heating and cooling technicians at Bonney can help! Our air conditioning repair technicians proudly serve the greater Sacramento area, including Fairfield, Suisun City, Rio Vista, Dixon, Elmira, Vacaville, Nut Tree, and beyond. 

Bonney can also help with the troubles that this leaking water can create. If you have experienced water damage from your leaky AC unit or you think the water may be coming from a plumbing problem, the Bonney plumbers are here for you. Contact our experts for an appointment today!