Along with cooling your home, AC units also draw moisture from the air, so it’s normal to see a puddle of water around the condenser outside. However, water dripping from your indoor unit may cause serious problems for your equipment and even damage your home. Below are a few of the most common reasons the air conditioner might be leaking.

5 Causes of a Leaking Air Conditioner

1. A Dirty Air Filter

A clogged air filter forces an AC unit to work harder, which causes condensation to freeze on the evaporator coils. This not only makes it impossible to keep your house cool on a hot day but also leaves a layer of ice on your equipment. When the ice melts, water may leak out of the coils, leaving pools of water that can promote mold growth and wood rot.

2. Clogged Condensate Line

Most traditional air conditioning systems have a pan attached to a drain line that directs condensation outside the house. Over time, this small tube can get clogged with debris or algae, leaving water with nowhere to go. To keep the water flowing smoothly, pour a few teaspoons of vinegar down the line once a month.

3. Broken Condensation Pan

Even if the condensate line is clear, water may still find its way onto your floor if the pan itself is faulty. Drainage pans can easily get bent or broken during repairs or can simply corrode with age. Fortunately, installing a new pan is a fairly easy, inexpensive fix that can stop the water trickling onto your floor.

4. Faulty Condensate Pump

Many AC units rely on gravity to move water outside, but some systems feature an electrical pump. If your AC equipment is in the basement, a broken pump might be to blame for the water accumulation. Because basements are ideal breeding grounds for mold, replace a faulty pump as quickly as possible.

5. Improper Equipment

Sometimes, even a brand-new AC unit may start leaking water. Unfortunately, this usually means the system is too small to effectively cool your home or may have been installed incorrectly. A skilled HVAC technician may be able to resolve the issue by making adjustments or replacing the unit altogether.

With over 50 years of experience and a reputation throughout Acadiana for delivering exceptional service, Smith Air Conditioning handles everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. If your AC unit is leaking, their technicians in Ville Platte will deliver the results you need using the most advanced equipment on the market. Visit their website for more on their wide range of AC services, or call (337) 363-1866 to schedule a repair.