Specialists mission Jacksonville, FL, to have 84 days with temperatures between 90° and 100° Fahrenheit this yr. Much more regarding, they forecast the town to expertise 42 days when temperatures might exceed 100° F!
The excellent news is that you could keep away from the dangers of such scorching days by staying in your air-conditioned dwelling.
However what when you discover your air conditioner leaking water? Is that this a giant downside, and what brought about it within the first place? What are you able to do to deal with the difficulty earlier than it leads to worse issues?
This information explores the solutions to all these questions, so learn on.
Is an Air Conditioner Leaking Water a Massive Drawback?
In case your air conditioner leaks water excessively, then sure, it may be a giant downside, as it may well result in expensive water harm. Water leaks can even end in increased indoor humidity ranges.
The longer these issues exist, the extra seemingly you’ll take care of mould points, too. In any case, molds thrive in damp environments. They will then launch their spores into the air, resulting in poor indoor air high quality (IAQ) and opposed well being results.
Water leaks can also be a symptom of extra vital AC issues, reminiscent of refrigerant leaks. The latter could cause the system to carry out inefficiently and even break down and fail.
Why Is It Leaking Water Anyway?
It’s regular for air conditioners to “produce” water in the course of the cooling cycle. That water is condensation, which types as scorching, humid air comes into contact with the AC’s chilly evaporator coils. The coils (and the refrigerant passing via them) take in warmth and moisture from the air, “cooling” the air down.
The condensation drips to the AC drain pan beneath the evaporator coils. This pan has a linked condensate drain line, which channels the collected water out of your house.
If these parts change into broken, your air conditioner might leak water. Whereas these points can occur year-round, they’re extra widespread in summer time, as Jacksonville’s common humidity ranges exceed 70% throughout this season.
Clogged Drain Line
Dust, mud, particles, and pet dander can settle in your AC’s drain pan over time. The water dripping into the pan can flip them right into a gooey mess. That can lead to the condensate drain line changing into clogged.
A clogged drain line gained’t be capable to channel water out of your house, so the water will simply keep within the pan. The water stage within the pan will then rise as extra droplets drip from the coils. Finally, all that AC condensation build-up will overflow and leak out.
Issues With the Drain Pan
Older air conditioners have drain pans made from steel, reminiscent of galvanized metal. Fixed publicity to warmth, moisture, and different contaminants could cause these pans to rust, inflicting them to leak water.
Newer AC fashions use sturdy plastic drain pans. Whereas rust-resistant, they will nonetheless deteriorate, warp, and crack, inflicting them to leak. Improper set up, reminiscent of in the event that they don’t sit straight, can even trigger them to overflow.
Frozen Coils
An air conditioner leaking water can be as a result of iced-up or frozen AC evaporator coils. This downside can occur if the coils change into coated with grime, mud, particles, and dirt. It might probably additionally outcome from refrigerant leaks.
As extra ice types on the AC, extra water will drip down the drain pan because it thaws, in the end inflicting the pan to overflow.
What to Do if Your AC Leaks
First, flip your air conditioner off. That’ll cease its cooling cycle, stopping it from creating extra condensation.
Subsequent, don some private protecting gear, together with rubber boots, gloves, a face masks, and eye safety. Then, wipe or mop the world the place the water has overflowed.
You possibly can then proceed with the next leaking AC troubleshooting steps:
- Take away the entry panel of your indoor AC unit (you’ll have to unscrew a couple of bolts)
- Use a flashlight to examine the condensate drain pan and line for water and clogs
- Get as a lot water out of the pan as attainable with towels or a moist/dry vac
- Rinse the pan and line with vinegar to filter mould and algae
As you carry out the steps above, be aware of water which will drip down the pan. Keep in mind, your AC is at the moment off, so it shouldn’t produce condensation. If it does, particularly fixed droplets, you seemingly have frozen evaporator coils.
In that case, it’s greatest to name a licensed HVAC firm close to you as quickly as attainable. They’ll diagnose and repair the issue earlier than it worsens and causes your cooling system to fail.
Stopping Future Leaks
Skilled air conditioner upkeep executed each spring is among the greatest methods to maintain AC issues, together with leaks, at bay. Throughout one, you possibly can count on an expert and skilled HVAC technician to:
- Totally examine the AC’s essential components, reminiscent of refrigerant strains, coils, and drain system
- Clear the drain pan and line
- Verify and tighten electrical connections
- Calibrate the thermostat
- Lubricate shifting components
- Examine and exchange air filters as wanted
Relying in your AC upkeep plan, the technician might verify for refrigerant leaks. In the event that they uncover any, they’ll inform you, and you may have them repair the leak and prime up the refrigerant. They might additionally apply a protecting remedy to your system and drain pan to reduce future mould and algae development.
You must also examine your AC filters month-to-month between service schedules. If in case you have pets or stay close to a busy road, you’ll have to exchange them extra steadily.
Cease AC Leaks
Whether or not it’s a clogged condensate drain line, an overflowing drain pan, or frozen coils, these can all end in an air conditioner leaking water. Whatever the trigger, you have to deal with them ASAP earlier than they trigger costlier issues, reminiscent of water harm, mould, or full AC failure.
The HVAC specialists at Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning will help monitor and repair the trigger of your leaking AC. Since our firm’s institution in 1998, our NATE-certified technicians have served residents of the First Coast group with high-quality HVAC companies. We’re additionally happy with our quite a few 5-star Google critiques from completely happy clients.
So, contact us at the moment! We’ll gladly present a free estimate and get the AC in your Jacksonville dwelling again in good working order.