About 75% of homes across the U.S. have central air conditioners, according to the Department of Energy. Just like them, you run your central air conditioning on the hottest days to help keep your home dry and comfortable. So, when you notice water dripping from the air conditioning unit, it’s natural to panic.
While a little condensation is normal, larger amounts of water continuously dripping from your air conditioner can be a cause for concern. And the reason for this can be anything from the air conditioner’s filter to its air vents. Or you may need to replace it. Whatever the cause, we can help. Call us today.
Troubleshooting Water Dripping from Your Air Conditioning Unit
There are a few items on the list you can go through and check off to see if there is a simple solution to your air conditioning issue.
Check Your Air Filter
A dirty HVAC air filter can be the cause of many issues. Dust, dirt, and debris caked onto your air filter can block the airflow, potentially freezing the evaporator coil. The water that leaks out could be overflowing out of the drain pan. Sometimes the easiest solution is simply to change your air filter and give it a little time to see if everything self-corrects.
Regularly changing your air filter is a great way to save energy and money on your energy bills, according to the EnergyStar program.
Check Your Air Vents or Registers
If your air filter has been changed recently and is clean, check the air vents or registers throughout your home to ensure most are open and not blocked by any obstacles. This also blocks airflow and can possibly freeze the evaporator coil.
Listen Closely to Your Air Conditioning Unit
If your air conditioner has not been cooling properly or has to work harder than usual to keep your house cool, the refrigerant in the system could be low. If you listen carefully, you could hear a noise, like a small leak from a balloon. This could mean there is a refrigerant leak.
Refrigerants for central air conditioning units are highly regulated and available only to professionals. So, if you suspect you have a refrigerant leak, you will need to call in a professional who can let you know if it is possible to repair the leak or if you may need to replace the unit.
When to Call a Professional
If your air filter is clean and your air vents are unobstructed, but your central air conditioner is still leaking more than a little bit of water for a day or more, it’s time to call in the pros.
Your Evaporator Coils Could Be Frozen
If you see ice caked on your air conditioner’s evaporator coils, turn it off, and do not turn your air conditioner back on until an Ambient Edge technician can take a look at it. The air inside your unit is not flowing properly and we can determine the cause.
If you continue to run your air conditioner when the evaporator coils are frozen, it could break your compressor. This could lead to a much more extensive repair or even a replacement of the entire unit.
You Could Have Low Refrigerant Levels
A minuscule refrigerant leak may not need to be repaired immediately, but the refrigerant levels will need to be replenished in order to properly cool your home. You can only top off refrigerant levels for so long, however, so this is typically a sign that a full unit replacement is in your future.
There Could Be Issues with Your Condensate Drain Line
The water circulating through your air conditioner is not clean and pure, so the drain line can become clogged with any number of grimy substances. A professional can easily spot and unplug a clogged drain line.
Your Condensate Pump Could Be Broken
Many HVAC units have a condensate pump that draws water outside. Without that functionality, the water can’t get out. We may be able to repair the condensate pump or we may need to replace the pump.
You May Need to Replace Your Drain Pan
The drain pan is designed to catch any condensation that drips from your air conditioner. However, if the drain pan becomes cracked, rusted, or otherwise breaks, water just gushes through. It’s rare that drain pans can be repaired, but they can be replaced.
Call Now to Schedule Your Repair Appointment
When water is dripping from your air conditioning unit and simple fixes aren’t enough, call Ambient Edge. We have 24-hour emergency service available when you need your AC back up and running.