6 Common Reasons For a Leaking AC, Explained

A leaking AC unit could spell disaster for your home’s temperature. In a climate like that of Oklahoma City, you can’t afford to be without a functioning AC unit during summer.

Yet what is it that causes the leaks? What mechanical gremlins have caused the issue?

In this guide, we’re going to take a look at some of the most common causes of leaking air conditioning so that you can diagnose your problem and get it fixed.

Are you ready to learn more? Then read on!

1. A Damaged Drain Pan

The condensate drain pan has an important role to play in your AC unit. It captures all of the moisture that comes off the evaporator coils, and there’s a lot of that. However, these drain pans have a finite lifespan.

If you’ve got an older AC unit (around 15 years old), your condensate drain pan might have rusted through or experienced some other kind of damage. If this happens, all of that moisture it would have collected will find another way out, causing a leak.

2. A Dirty Air Filter

You might not think of an air filter as being responsible for a leak but it may well be. If your air filter is too dirty or if it’s got a clog, the evaporator coils can get too cold.

When this happens, moisture will freeze on the coils. In warm weather, like we’ve been experiencing in Edmond, OK, the ice will then start to melt. If there’s an air filter clog, the sheer amount of moisture might overwhelm the drain pan, which will lead to leaks.

3. A Clogged Drain Line

The drain line on the AC is a vital component and a clogged drain line is one of the most common causes of leaks. It causes leaking AC issues because if the line is clogged up, there’s nowhere for the water to go.

This means that the water backs up and can spill out of the unit, causing leaks.

Dirt and other debris can get carried into the line over time, and this can lead to a buildup, causing this problem.

4. A Refrigerant Leak

Without enough refrigerant in your AC system, it won’t be able to effectively cool your home. This can lower the pressure in your AC unit, which can lead to the coils freezing and resultant leaks.

It can be difficult to diagnose a refrigerant leak yourself but there are two main symptoms to watch for. The first is a lack of cooling and the second is a bubbling sound coming from your AC.

5. A Broken Condensate Pump

When moisture goes into the drain pan, a condensate pump will move it out of the pan and into your drain. If your pump is broken, however, it may not be able to clear the moisture fast enough, which can cause leaks.

Solving Leaking AC Problems

Whatever the cause, leaking AC is a serious issue and one that you need to solve fast. We’re here to help: our team of expert technicians is here to solve any AC issues that you may be having, no matter what their cause.

Contact us, and we’ll be happy to come and inspect your AC and diagnose your problem. When we’ve figured out the cause, we can get to work straight away and get your AC back in full working order.