Have you noticed water coming from your air conditioning? You may have seen it drip from an air vent, or perhaps you noticed a puddle where one shouldn’t be. Let’s look at some common causes of AC water leaks.
Water around the Air Handler
The air handler is the inside component of your AC system. This is often located inside a small, dedicated closet. If you notice water around your air handler, it may be from a clogged condenser line. Clogs can occur from a number of sources, including mold and dust. You may be able to remove the clog with a wet vac, depending on how your line is routed. Complete this task quickly to avoid water buildup around the electrical components of your air handler. That can lead to much more costly AC repair down the line.
Water Dripping from the Air Vents
You’re sitting on the couch, minding your own business, when a water droplet pelts you in the face. You don’t know where it came from, but the only logical source is the air vent above your head.
There are several reasons why water can be dripping from your air vents. The ductwork in your attic may not be insulated properly. The water may be the result of a frozen evaporator coil, as mentioned below. It could also come from air escaping around the sides of your vents, rather than through the grates.
Insulation is an easy fix if you have attic access. The ductwork will need to be wrapped in special HVAC insulation. Air from the side of the vents could also be fixed just by adjusting their placement or caulking around the edges. If those are not the issues, or if you are not confident about the repairs, call in a specialist.
Water from Evaporator Coil
If your evaporator coil freezes/melts, it may lead to AC water leakage. This is especially true if the evaporator coil freezes and thaws repeatedly. Thawing occurs when the AC unit is off, but it will re-freeze again when the unit goes back on.
The evaporator coil is in the same area as your air handler. It will be shaped like a triangle. If you notice ice around it, replace your air filter. A dirty air filter is the most common cause of frozen evaporator coils. Turn the unit off, let it thaw completely, and then turn it back on. If the ice persists, reach out for professional AC repair.
How to Fix an AC Water Leak
As we have shown, some AC water leaks are easy to repair. However, some need a professional solution to avoid long-term damage. If you would like an AC inspection, contact Quality Comfort HVAC. We will diagnose the issue and provide a fair, honest price quote to fix it. You may reach us at (586) 778-8600.