During the warmer months of the year, you depend on your air conditioner to keep the household cool and comfortable. But when an AC unit leaks, it can jeopardize the operation and make those spring and summer days much harder to bear. Always schedule prompt air conditioning repair at the first sign of a leaky AC. Here’s more about what could be causing the problem so that you can prevent this maintenance issue in the future.

Why Is Your Air Conditioner Leaking?

1. A Clogged Drain Line

There is a white PVC pipe that extends from the home to the outdoor portion of the AC unit. This is the condensate line, which serves as an exit route for moisture collected by the evaporator coil. Leaks are common when this line becomes clogged.

In most cases, a clogged condensate drain line is caused by an accumulation of dirt, debris, rust, or fungus. An air conditioning repair professional will use special equipment to vacuum out the clog and restore the flow of condensation.

2. A Damaged Condensate Drain Pan

Condensation—a natural product of the air conditioning process—collects in the condensate drain pan located underneath the indoor evaporator coils. If your AC is older, the drain pan is more susceptible to cracking and other damage, which will cause water to leak out. Fortunately, this is a fairly easy and quick fix, and an air conditioning repair professional can replace the damaged pan with a new one.

3. A Dirty Air Filter

An AC's filter traps all the dirt, dust, and debris from the air that circulates throughout the system. This filter needs to be replaced every few months—more often if you have pets or people with allergies in the home—or it will prevent the free flow of air.

As a result, the evaporator coils will get too cold and freeze. When the frozen coils melt, the condensate drain pan might overflow.

If you notice water leaking from the indoor or outdoor portion of your AC, contact an air conditioning repair service right away. Ade Heating and Cooling in Forked River, NJ, has more than 30 years of experience serving customers throughout the central and southern parts of the state. They offer comprehensive heating and cooling services, including HVAC preventative maintenance, installations, and repairs. Call (609) 693-6050 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to request a quote.

NJ Master HVACR Lic # 19HC00136200

NJ Master HVACR Lic # 19HC00400200

NJ Master Plumbing Lic # 36B100668500