Why Is My AC Leaking Water?

No one really wants to deal with problems in their home, but sometimes it becomes necessary. If you have an AC unit that’s leaking water, you definitely want to get it fixed right away. You probably don’t know what’s causing the leak at first glance. It might be something simple, but it could also be something serious that will get worse over time.

Among the biggest problems with an AC leak, is that you often don’t know which scenario you’re facing. If it’s a small leak and an easy fix, there’s no real reason not to get it taken care of. You might even be able to handle it yourself. But it could also be a bigger leak, or one that you are not comfortable repairing on your own. In that case, you will want to get professional help with it.

If you leave an AC leak unresolved, even if it is just water and not refrigerant, you run the risk of experiencing more damage to the unit and to your home. Fortunately, there is a solution. You can look for the problem, and you might be able to find and fix it. However, if you are not sure what’s wrong, or you want it diagnosed by a professional, contact an expert at Vaughan Comfort Services today.

When you work with us to fix an HVAC system leak, you’re getting quality service plenty of value. We’ll handle the issue right away by diagnosing the cause of the leak and determining the best way to correct it. Then you can get back to using your air conditioner without worry, and you will not risk any more damage to your home, either.

How to Tell if an AC Unit is Leaking

Since a leaking air conditioner unit isn’t something you want to ignore, it’s important to know what kinds of signs to watch out for. Many homeowners do not check on their AC’s outdoor or indoor unit very often. As long as the air in their home is comfortable, they don’t think much about the HVAC system itself. It’s a good idea to periodically take a look for anything out of the ordinary.

It’s usually not too difficult to see if there’s a problem, so you can take steps to get it corrected before it gets any worse or does any additional damage. The easiest way to tell if an AC unit is leaking is to look for one of two things:

• Water accumulation in and around the indoor unit
• Mold that’s growing anywhere in or around the indoor unit

One or both of these signs is generally present when an AC unit is leaking. Water could come from the drain pan or drain line, or it could be leaking from the evaporator coil. A clog in a line or a refrigerant leak can cause significant problems, so you want to look for leaks and get them fixed right away.

If you smell stagnant water or mold, even if you don’t see it, it’s worth having your HVAC unit checked out. An air conditioner leaking water isn’t going to be a problem that fixes itself, and some problems that cause leaks can be very serious, especially if they’re allowed to keep getting worse. A repair that’s handled when a small problem is found helps you avoid a bigger problem in the future.

Top Reasons for an Air Conditioning Unit to Leak Water in South Jersey

While there can be any number of reasons that an air conditioning unit can start leaking, it’s usually not something unique or out of the ordinary. There are several common reasons for an air conditioning system to leak water. Among the most obvious causes are:

• A clog in a drain line or drain pipe
• Frozen evaporator coils (when they thaw, you’ll have dripping water)
• A dirty air filter
• A damaged or rusted drain pan
• A stuck, damaged, or nonfunctional float switch

You will need expert precision to fix several of these common causes, and the effort required to fix them can also be tedious and take a lot of time. That’s why it’s best to have a professional address the issue, so you can get your AC system working properly again and reduce any water damage from the leak.

Can I Still Use My AC if It’s Leaking Water?

If your AC is leaking water, you can still use it. It’s not dangerous in the sense that it’s unsafe. However, you want to be aware that it could cause further water damage to your home, and may also cause additional damage to the unit itself. It’s better to get it fixed quickly, but you don’t have to turn it off and be uncomfortable in your home while you’re waiting for the technician to make repairs.

Just keep in mind when you use an AC that’s leaking water, the continued use is going to mean a continued leak. That means the potential for more mold growth, and the accumulating water could cause additional problems with the flooring around the unit, as well. You may need to keep running your air conditioning, depending on the temperature, but contact an air conditioning repair company, too.

What Happens if It’s Refrigerant and Not Water?

Refrigerant is different from having a water leak, because refrigerant is dangerous. It can evaporate into a gas, and that’s not something you want to be breathing. You’ll also find that low refrigerant levels can mean warm air and higher energy bills. Anytime there’s a problem with a unit leaking refrigerant, you want to make sure a qualified HVAC technician addresses the source of the leakage.

Once the leak is fixed you can have good airflow through your home again, and enjoy cool air even when the outside temperature continues to rise. Because refrigerant leaks can be much more dangerous than water leaks, it’s vital that you get the leak fixed quickly and efficiently. That will mean a comfortable home temperature, safety, and more peace of mind.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix an AC That’s Leaking Water?

If your AC unit is leaking water, one of the biggest questions you probably have is how much it’s going to cost you to fix it. The cost will be dependent on the course of action you take. If you solve it by unclogging a clogged condensate drain line and getting rid of buildup, or changing out a dirty air filter, it might not cost much at all.

It makes sense for many homeowners to take a look at what might be causing the problem, so they can get it corrected as easily as possible. If it’s something simple, it makes sense for you to just go ahead and correct the problem. Then you’ll want to make a note to check up on it from time to time, to see if the problem recurs, or if there seems to be any other issues to address.

But some problems with AC leaks are much more serious. There may be a blockage you can’t clear, a broken condensate pump, or even a float switch that needs to be replaced. If it’s a problem with the air handler, a drip pan that needs replacing, or an issue with the compressor, you’ll want a professional to handle the issue. That will cost you more, but having a working AC unit is very important, especially during South Jersey’s hot and humid summer months.

By reaching out to Vaughan Comfort Services today, you can request a quote online and have a professional technician come to your home. If you have an air conditioner leaking water inside, or you need other troubleshooting help for your HVAC system, we’re here to help. Getting a professional to handle an HVAC issue can help you stop worrying and get back to your day.

Don’t Let a Leak Drip Into Doing More Damage

A small leak doesn’t seem like a big deal to most homeowners, but that little AC leak could turn into a significant problem for your indoor unit if it doesn’t get repaired. The excess water that escapes from the condensate pan or backs up in a drain line could really affect your home’s indoor air quality, the flooring around the leak, and the unit itself.

You may find that you’re turning your thermostat down, but your AC unit just isn’t keeping up. A tune-up can help, but it’s equally important to look for a leak.Reach out to the professionals at Vaughan Comfort Services today through our contact page or call (856) 627-0303 for the AC repair you need. You will have more comfort in your home and lower the risk of any damage that leaking water can cause.

Just like the other systems in your house, your HVAC system needs maintenance and repair. Leaking water is a sure sign that something is wrong, and that your AC system should be inspected. By contacting the professionals to help you, you’ll get the issue solved and enjoy the comfort of your air conditioning system more easily once again. Don’t settle for a leaking air conditioner when the solution is as easy as contacting us for a quality HVAC repair.