It can be concerning to find a pool of water around or below your outdoor HVAC unit. While it’s normal for an A/C unit to produce some condensation, drips, pooling water, and other signs of leaks are cause for concern. It’s important to resolve the issue right away to avoid complete breakdowns. Below, learn the common causes of leaking to ensure you act quickly.

Causes of a Leaking HVAC

HVAC units have a drain pan, condensate drain, and lines that remove condensation. The most common cause of pooling water is drain line clogs. These can be complete or partial blockages and are usually due to algae or fungi that have formed in the moisture. In this case, you’ll notice water spilling from the line connections. The line may also be punctured and will leak, or in the worst case, completely disconnect. This can happen through an accident, poor installation, or during inclement weather. The condensate pump that helps with drainage may also be broken, which will allow condensation to build up in the condenser pan.

Many homeowners forget to change their air filters, which can cause leaks. Dirty filters prevent air from flowing over the evaporator coil, which causes it to freeze over. The ice will eventually melt and flood around the HVAC unit. Your system may also be low on refrigerant, which can cause the evaporator coil to freeze.

How to Mitigate the Situation 

First, try replacing a clogged air filter. You may also want to clean the grates on your HVAC unit with the hose and to trim back foliage so that nothing is blocking the airflow outside. If you suspect algae is blocking your drain line, pour six ounces of vinegar into it to kill it. A clearly broken or damaged drain line will need to be replaced by an HVAC professional.

More serious causes, such as frozen coils or pump damage, will require professional HVAC repairs. You can prevent these issues by scheduling a yearly inspection. A technician will make sure all the core parts of your system, including the evaporator and condenser coils, are working correctly. They’ll then lubricate parts and make any minor repairs to ensure your system works efficiently.

Contact Sunshine Air Conditioning & Heating if you’re dealing with HVAC leaks or other issues. These professionals have served Peekskill and Cortland, NY, for 19 years and are committed to 100% customer satisfaction. They can handle general HVAC services, repairs, and installations, which you can learn about on their website. Call (914) 245-2050 to schedule an inspection.