When your air conditioner is running properly, your home will be cool and dry. A leaking air conditioner is frustrating but isn’t necessarily harmful. It depends on whether it’s leaking water or refrigerant.
Water leaking from your air conditioner isn’t dangerous but can cause a lot of damage to your house. On the other hand, a coolant leak is harmful to you and the environment. In either situation, repairing a leak will require professional air conditioning repair.
In most instances, you can prevent your air conditioner from leaking by scheduling annual air conditioning maintenance. During your appointment, an HVAC technician will closely inspect your system for issues and clean it. This service helps ensure worry-free cooling and might even improve energy efficiency.
Learn more about why your air conditioner is leaking and how you can stop it from happening in the future.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?
Water is a natural byproduct of the cooling process. Your air conditioner has two units, one outside and one inside. The indoor unit includes an evaporator coil that cools warm air as it blows over it. Condensation occurs as the air cools, drips into a drain pan and drains out of your home through a condensate drain line.
Because of the condensation process, having water leak is a common problem. We often get calls about an air conditioner leaking water inside or an air conditioner leaking water outside. Here’s why it happens:
Drain Line Is Clogged
As time passes, mold can block the condensate drain line. This can lead to water leaking inside your house. Our Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc professionals can break up clogs and get water flowing again smoothly. Give us a call at 224-412-8308 for assistance.
Air Filter Needs to Be Changed
We recommend changing flat filters monthly and pleated filters every three months.
Replacing your air filter is critical for:
- Indoor air quality
- Energy efficiency
- Reducing breakdowns
- Extending your air conditioner’s life span
A dirty air filter can reduce airflow, make the coil very cold and freeze it. As the coil melts, it can make the drain pan overflow. We suggest inspecting your air filter if you haven’t replaced it lately and your air conditioner is leaking water indoors.
If this doesn’t resolve the problem, your drain pan may be rusty or have a broken condensate pump. Replacing your pan or pump requires a pro, so contact us at 224-412-8308 for assistance.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Freon?
Your air conditioner relies on coolant to transfer heat. If your air conditioner was put in before 2011, it probably has R-22 Freon. As time passes, chemicals in Freon can eat through metal and create leaks.
It’s important to know about air conditioner Freon leak symptoms in case your system has one. They include:
- Air that feels hotter or more humid than usual
- Bubbling or hissing sounds near the air conditioner
- Sweet smell near the air conditioner
- Frozen evaporator coil
Freon is bad for your health if handled improperly, so you’ll want an HVAC professional like Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc to fix an air conditioner coolant leak. In most situations, it may just be better to request air conditioning installation since Freon is costly. Manufacturing of this coolant was halted in 2020 due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. As a result, just limited recycled quantities are available.
Trust Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc for Fixing Your Air Conditioner Leaks
When it comes to air conditioning repair in Carpentersville, go with the company your neighbors and friends trust. We’ve been known for our quick, friendly and reasonable services since 2007. Contact us at 224-412-8308 to schedule your appointment now!