Why Is My AC Leaking Water? Causes & Solutions

Is your AC unit leaking water? Water leakage is one of the most common problems air conditioners experience, especially during Florida’s hot summer months when your system is working its hardest. While a little bit of condensation appearing around your AC unit is perfectly normal, particularly in naturally humid environments like Gainesville, excessive leakage or pooling of water could be a sign that something is wrong with your HVAC system.

Left unaddressed, air conditioner leaks could lead to costly water damage, reduced cooling efficiency, or a total system breakdown. Fortunately, LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating is here to help! Our trusted team of heating and cooling technicians has years of experience helping Gainesville homeowners diagnose and fix all kinds of HVAC problems — including AC water leaks! Call us today to schedule repairs or learn more about our HVAC services!

Below, we outline a few of the most common causes of air conditioner leaks and what you can do to stop them!

Common Causes Of AC Water Leaks

Clogged Condensate Drain Line

One of the most common causes of air conditioning water leaks is a clogged condensate drain line. As your air conditioner runs, its evaporator coil pulls moisture from the air and converts it into water, which is collected by the condensate drain pan and carried out of your home by the condensate drain line. However, over time, the drain can become clogged by algae, dirt, dust, or mold build-up, causing water to back up and overflow.

Damaged Drain Pain

As we briefly mentioned above, the drain pan, located underneath the evaporator coil, catches condensation before directing it into the drain line. However, if the drain pan is cracked, rusted, or misaligned, water can leak out and pool around your air conditioner unit. This issue is more common among older air conditioners, but it can occur in any unit due to wear and tear.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Low refrigerant levels, poor airflow due to clogged filters, or dirty coils can cause your system’s evaporator coils to freeze over. Then, as this build-up of ice melts, it can produce more water than your system is designed to handle, causing the drip pan to overflow. If your AC has frozen evaporator coils or the system stops producing cold air, then it’s time to contact LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating for professional HVAC services!

What To Do If Your AC Is Leaking Water

Air conditioner water leaks not only pose a danger to your home if left unaddressed, but can result in bigger, more costly problems within your AC system as well. Even a small leak can become a big problem when ignored. If you notice your air conditioner is leaking water, these are a few immediate steps you can take:

• Turn off your air conditioning system to help prevent any more leakage and avoid further property damage.
• Check your HVAC’s air filter and replace it if it appears clogged, dirty, or water-damaged.
• Use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to clean the area around your unit and remove any standing water.
• Call LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating for professional AC repair services!

How To Prevent AC Water Leaks

AC water leaks are a frustrating and time-consuming complication that most homeowners will likely want to avoid as best they can. Fortunately, with a few preventative measures and regular AC tune-ups, you can help minimize the risk of your system developing a leak. A few of the most effective ways to prevent AC leaks include:

• Inspecting your air filters every month and changing them when they look dirty
• Watching for signs of poor air flow or frozen coils
• Regularly check the condensate drain pan for signs of rust and cracks
• Schedule professional HVAC inspections and maintenance at least once a year

LIBERTYAIR’s planned HVAC maintenance program is designed to help you prevent air conditioning issues and extend the functional lifespan of your heating and cooling system, all while improving your home’s energy efficiency and air quality. On top of that, if you sign up for twice-a-year servicing, you receive additional benefits and discounts. Contact our local HVAC company today to learn more or join our preventative maintenance program!

Emergency AC Repairs In Gainesville, FL

Whether it’s water leaks, frozen evaporator coils, or total system failure — you can count on LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating for fast and reliable HVAC repairs in Gainesville and the surrounding areas. We offer quick response times and are available Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Call LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating today to schedule repairs or learn more about our preventative HVAC maintenance program!