Is Your Air Conditioner Leaking? Don’t Panic, Just Read This.
It’s a hot and sticky, Australian summer’s day. You’re happily relaxing and enjoying the perfectly cool temperature of your home, thanks to your seasonal best friend – your trusty air conditioning unit. But what should you do if you notice water leaking from your AC system?
Discovering pooling water anywhere inside your house is generally concerning, and should be dealt with immediately to prevent further damage and mould. So if you do spot water dripping from your air conditioner, here’s what you need to know – and what you can do to prevent it.
Should Water be Leaking from my Air Conditioner?
As part of their standard operation, air conditioning units collect moisture from the air. Warm air is cooled by an evaporator coil inside the unit, in order to blow out air that is perfectly cooled to optimum temperature. During this process, your air con system is actively removing humidity from the air, which is then turned into water and collected in a drain pan. From here, this water is released outside via the drain line.
However, if you notice unusually large amounts of water being released from your air conditioner, or you see water dripping from the inside unit (even when the system is not in use) this could be a cause for concern.
5 Common Causes of a Leaking Air Conditioning System
Blocked Air Con Filter
The filter’s job is to allow air to flow through to the coils, which help cool the air. If the filter becomes blocked with dust, dirt or other particles, this airflow becomes obstructed and the temperature drops – leading to ice forming on the coils. When the unit is turned off and air is no longer being sucked in, the temperature rises again and that ice begins to thaw. Naturally, this results in a small amount of water that needs to escape somehow, so it spills into the drip tray. However, if the drip tray overflows, this results in a leaking air conditioning system.
Broken Condensate Pump
The condensate pump plays an important role in the air conditioning process, draining water out of the unit to prevent any leaks. If the pump is malfunctioning, the water has no safe way of escaping the unit – other than to leak out. These pumps commonly rust or become damaged with age; but it is possible to have them replaced and get the air con system working again, without needing to purchase a whole new unit.
Drain Line is Clogged
The drain line inside your air conditioner safely leads any excess water building up inside your unit, to the outside. But drain lines can also become clogged with dust, dirt, mould, and other debris. The build up of these foreign particles can slow water flowing out of the air conditioning unit, which can eventually lead to a backup and cause a leak or rupture in the line.
Installation Issues
Proper installation of your AC system is imperative, as even brand new units that are not correctly installed will likely leak water into your home. An air conditioner that has been professionally installed should sit at the correct inclination necessary to allow for proper water drainage. Accurate installation also ensures that the unit is thoroughly sealed in place, further preventing water leaks that may develop over time.
Irregular Maintenance
As with most appliances in your home, air conditioning units require regular maintenance in order to continue running efficiently. Servicing your AC system annually not only ensures that the unit is kept clean and your home is cooled to the optimum temperature, but it means any issues inside the unit can be detected at an early stage and potentially save you money down the track.
What to do if your Air Conditioner is Leaking
- If you notice water leaking from your AC unit, turn off the system immediately. This will help to temporarily slow or stop the water flow.
- Try to soak up any water spillage to prevent as much dampness and mould as possible.
- You may need to change the filters in your air conditioner, if a build up of dust and dirt is blocking the airflow and causing the leak.
- Arrange for a licensed and qualified heating & cooling technician to thoroughly inspect your air conditioning unit, and advise on the best course of action to fix the problem. Delaying an essential service to your system may only lead to a more expensive issue later on.
- Book in to have your air conditioner regularly serviced by a professional plumber. This can include a performance check, as well as a thorough clean of the unit. A professional air conditioner jet cleaning service involves chemically cleaning your unit with a high pressure jet, plus cleaning out air filters and fans to remove any built up dirt, grime and other nasty bugs that may be lurking inside.
With COVID-19 still a real and prevalent issue, you can never have anything inside your home too clean. If you have any concerns, it might be a good idea to have your AC thoroughly and professionally cleaned, for peace of mind and to eliminate any chance of spread.
Check out Service Today’s air conditioner jet cleaning process in action!
If you can’t remember the last time your air conditioning system was serviced or professionally cleaned, it’s probably time to book it in! At Service Today, we have a team of expert heating & cooling technicians who are fully qualified to assist with your AC requirements. All our technicians are COVID-certified, and will always go above and beyond to detect and resolve any issues you may be experiencing with your air conditioning unit.
Service Today offers premium air conditioner maintenance and jet cleaning services for all major brands. Call us now on 1300 859 383 or book online, to have one of our expert air conditioner technicians professionally clean or service your system today!
