In hot and humid climates like the South, homeowners rely on the AC every day to combat the summer heat. The system works hard for this reason, expending more energy and causing more condensation. Although minor dripping when the unit is running is normal, call an air conditioning contractor if equipment continues to leak after it’s shut off or you spot large pools of water in the house or near the outdoor condenser. It’s possible one of the following is your culprit.  

Why AC Units Leak & What to Do About It

1. Clogged Drain Line 

Humidity can cause mold and algae to grow in drain lines. These may clog the lines and cause the drain pan to overflow, leading to water pooling under the indoor evaporator coils.

An air conditioning contractor will first check the drain line for cracks and then use a cleaning solution to flush out the channel. Clearing the blockage will restore proper drainage so water won’t build up in the pan. 

2. Dirty Air Filter

A dirty filter restricts airflow through the HVAC system. When air can’t move over the evaporator coils, the copper, steel, or aluminum will get too cold and freeze. As the ice melts when the unit is off, the water will fill the drain pan and overflow.

To restore normal performance, either you or an air conditioning contractor can change the dirty filter. Going forward, it’s wisest to replace it every one to two months for the rest of the summer. 

3. Low Refrigerant

In addition to a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels can cause coils inside the unit to freeze over. When levels are too low, the temperature and pressure of the coolant inside the system drops, causing the condensate on the evaporate coils to freeze. The melting ice will then into the condensate pan, causing overflow. An HVAC technician can adjust refrigerant levels or find a possible leak to fix the issue. 

From suspicious leaks to diminished cooling, there are numerous issues with heating and air conditioning equipment. Luckily, the professionals at Service Air Eastern Shore are on the case in Silverhill, AL. Serving residential clients in Baldwin and Mobile counties, the licensed air conditioning contractors have been providing HVAC troubleshooting and repairs for gas, propane, and electric systems since 2000. For an appointment, call (251) 990-8060. Read reviews on the company’s website and leave your own feedback on Facebook.