Let’s face it—Ohio summers can be scorching! So, your AC has probably been working overtime to battle the heat. But when your AC kicks It into high gear, it can sometimes lead to water leaks. We know how worrying this can be, so don’t worry! Your Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling pros are here to help you figure out what’s going on and get things back on track.
1. The Thermostat is Malfunctioning
Your thermostat is the mastermind behind the cooling of your home; it dictates how cold the evaporator coils need to be to hit your desired temperature. Think of your thermostat as the “mothership” of your HVAC system. When the mothership goes down, the entire fleet follows. If your thermostat malfunctions, it can’t properly communicate with your HVAC system, telling your AC when to turn on, off, and push out air. Many system issues stem from a faulty thermostat. So, if your air conditioner is acting up, start by checking the thermostat—it might just be the culprit!
Kick off your troubleshooting adventure by taking a look at the thermostat. If your AC is leaking water, it’s crucial to ensure the thermostat settings are spot on. Check if it’s responsive and adjustable. If it’s not cooperating, it might need some TLC, like new batteries, or there might be a wiring issue.
2. The Evaporator Coil is Frozen
One of the main culprits behind a leaky AC is a frozen evaporator coil. This usually happens when the air filters are too clogged, preventing enough air from blowing over the coils. And when the evaporator coils get too cold, they freeze over and start dripping water. Keep those filters clean to avoid turning your AC into a mini waterfall!
You can fix this issue by:
- Checking the Air Filters: Don’t forget to check your HVAC air filters! While it’s advised to replace them every 1 to 3 months, a quick double-check could save the day. A clogged filter might be the sneaky culprit behind your leaky air conditioning. Swap it out for a fresh one and you just might solve the problem instantly!
- Adjusting Your Thermostat: To stop the drippage or leaking, start by thawing that frozen evaporator coil. Simply raise the thermostat temperature by a few degrees to kickstart the thawing process. (If your whole unit is frozen, it’s best to turn off the cooling and switch on the fan instead.)
3. The Condensate Drain Is Clogged
Another thing to consider is that your condensate drain might be clogged. The condensate drain is the pipe that channels water from the drain pan to the outside. If it becomes clogged, the water intended to drain can back up and potentially leak outside the drain pan.
While it’s tempting to tackle this issue on your own, we don’t recommend it—unless you’re willing to risk damaging your pipes or system! A clogged condensate drain can cause various AC malfunctions, but don’t worry; it’s an easy fix for a qualified and licensed technician.
4. The Condensate Drain Pan Is Old or Damaged
Now, let’s talk about the condensate drain pan. This crucial piece collects water run-off from the evaporator coil as it cools the air. If the drain pan is worn out or damaged, it can lead to pesky water leaks on your floor.
Troubleshooting this issue isn’t overly complicated! If you find yourself in this situation, just swap out the old or damaged drain pan for a shiny new one. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. And hey, if you’re not feeling confident about tackling this task, don’t worry—we’re here and ready to lend a hand!
5. The Refrigerant Levels are Low
When the refrigerant in your air conditioner drops, so does the internal pressure, which can cause the evaporator coils to freeze and create a soggy mess. Keep an eye out for these signs of low refrigerant:
- Hissing or bubbling sounds coming from the AC unit
- Ice on the evaporator coils
- The AC is not blowing out “cold” air
- Water leakage
To get this fixed quickly, call a licensed technician. They have the right refrigerant and proper equipment to safely refill your air conditioner, ensuring it runs smoothly again in no time.
6. The Condenser Is “Sweating”
Did you know that your air conditioner can “sweat”? When warm or humid air meets the cool exterior of the unit, condensation forms, creating droplets that can make it seem like your AC is leaking. This excess moisture is perfectly normal, but it’s fascinating to see your AC working hard to keep you cool!
While mild condensation is nothing to worry about, an excessively “sweating” unit needs immediate attention from a professional. You don’t want to deal with water damage or a broken AC because of a lingering issue. Act quickly to keep things cool and trouble-free!
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities! If your air conditioner is leaking and you can’t figure out why, let us help. Give us a call and experience our five-star customer service. We’re honored to serve you!
You can beat the heat with the help of your Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling family! Call us today at (740) 212-5849, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
