Don’t Ignore a Dripping Air Conditioner
There are plenty of signs indicating that you need professional AC repair in Eastvale, CA. One of the most obvious ones is when your AC starts leaking water. What’s causing the mess, and how do technicians fix it?
Find out the answer in this helpful guide. If you find yourself in this situation in California’s Inland Empire, don’t hesitate to call Chill Factor Cooling & Heating for assistance.
Seven Possible Reasons Why Your AC Is Leaking Water
A dripping cooling system can be startling. When you first hear the sound of dripping water or notice a puddle near your HVAC equipment, the first thing you should do is contact a service technician. They can inspect the system, determine the source of the problem, and fix it.
There’s no way to determine what’s affecting your system until a licensed professional examines it. However, there are several common issues that often lead to water leaks. Discover seven potential problems that may be responsible for your leaky air conditioner.
1. Clogged Drain Line
How does your air conditioner get that extra humidity out of your home? The moisture eventually ends up in the system’s condensate drain pan before moving through the attached drain line. Unfortunately, water can’t move out of the pan if the line becomes clogged.
Instead, it will back up and spill out of the equipment. If a clogged drain line is to blame, experts will have to remove all of the debris inside the pipe, including:
- Mold
- Dirt
- Mineral deposits
Your AC may leak water regularly if you neglect basic air conditioner maintenance. During a tune-up service, specialists check the drain line for blockages and remove any accumulated debris.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels
Your system needs a certain amount of refrigerant to pass through the evaporator coil. If the level gets too low, the coil can enter a constant freeze-thaw cycle. As a result, you’ll experience insufficient cooling and notice water droplets leaking from the system.
A technician can inspect the refrigerant level and add more if necessary. Your equipment may be low on refrigerant due to a leak somewhere in the system. If this is the case, experts can repair the leak for peace of mind.
3. Dirty Evaporator Coil
While low refrigerant levels can lead to a frozen evaporator coil, they are not the only culprit. The refrigerant inside the evaporator coil absorbs heat from inside your home and transfers it outside. When dirt and grime insulate the coil, it can’t absorb the heat as well and may freeze.
Eventually, the ice will thaw, creating excess moisture around the machine. Fixing this issue is fairly simple. Experts carefully clean the part so no dirt remains.
4. Broken Condensate Pump
If your cooling system uses a condensate pump, any type of mechanical malfunction could result in the AC leaking water. Only select homes have this type of air conditioning equipment, so it may not be the cause of your HVAC problems. A technician can confirm if a broken pump is responsible for water dripping around your equipment.
5. Restricted Airflow
Central air conditioning systems use air filters that collect dust, pollen, and other allergens. As dirt and grime accumulate on the filter, airflow becomes limited. The system requires adequate airflow to prevent serious mechanical issues, such as a frozen evaporator coil and an overheating motor.
If an air filter blockage is the source of your problem, experts recommend replacing it immediately. Prevent this issue by replacing your air filter regularly. Doing so not only reduces the risk of malfunctions but also brings the following benefits:
- Improved indoor air quality
- Increased energy efficiency
- Peace of mind
Most households replace their filters every 30 to 90 days. You may need to replace yours more frequently if you have pets, smoke inside the house, or live with multiple people. Individuals who live alone and do not have pets may produce fewer allergens, resulting in less frequent filter changes.
6. Improper Installation
“I just installed a new air conditioner. Why is my AC leaking water if it’s brand new?”
Unfortunately, many homeowners find themselves in this situation. The answer often boils down to improper installation.
Did you have a licensed HVAC technician install your new equipment? Leaving this job to an amateur may do more harm than good. Without proper training, installers may miss key connections, which can prevent the system from functioning as intended.
If you had an amateur install your leaking equipment, don’t make the same mistake again. Let a trusted HVAC contractor repair the issue. To get the most out of your system, rely on experts for comprehensive maintenance as well.
7. Low Outdoor Temperatures
Southern California locals are used to turning on the air conditioning, given the region’s hot temperatures. So, when there’s an unusual chill in the air and you go to turn on your furnace, you may accidentally trigger the air conditioner instead. This simple mistake not only affects your comfort but may also lead to your AC leaking water.
The average cooling system is meant to provide relief from uncomfortable heat and humidity. If you turn yours on when the outdoor temperature is below 60 degrees, the evaporator coils may freeze. They’ll thaw eventually, but the condensate can drip all around the equipment.
Be mindful of when you operate your air conditioner. Carefully check your thermostat settings to ensure you’re not running the air conditioning instead of your furnace.
We Can Fix Your HVAC System Fast
Is your AC leaking water? It could be due to one of the issues mentioned above. Let the trained technicians at Chill Factor Cooling & Heating diagnose the underlying cause and offer a long-term solution.
Whether your system needs minor repairs or it’s time to replace your air conditioner, we’re the team you can count on. Our HVAC professionals have decades of experience and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We’re available 24/7 for emergency services and bring our expertise to Riverside County and beyond.
Call (951) 433-7053 today to schedule an HVAC consultation.
