Heating and cooling is foreign to most of us. We know how to adjust a thermostat. We know when we feel hot or cold. As for HVAC mechanics, we know little to nothing. That’s why you might be surprised to one day notice water dripping from your AC. Is it a serious problem? Maybe. But maybe not.
Air conditions produce water by the very nature of what they do. The water needs to go somewhere. Water dripping from the bottom of your air conditioner could be a relatively minor problem with the unit’s drainage system. On the other hand, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Either way, dripping water is reason enough to call an HVAC repair contractor.
Removing Air Conditioner Condensation
The most common cause of water dripping from an air conditioning unit is a problem with the drainage system. According to the experts at Comfort Solutions in Utah, HVAC units are fitted with condensate drain lines and drain pans. If something goes wrong with either one, water will drip from the air conditioner.
As an air conditioner removes heat from a home, it produces condensation. The condensation (water droplets) drip down onto a drain pan and then are carried away through the condensate drain line. If the drain line is clogged or the drain pan is rusted or cracked, water will drip onto the floor or the ground, depending on where your HVAC unit is installed.
Although a clogged condensate line or damaged drain pan is never ideal, it is not such a big issue for a unit installed outdoors. The water will simply fall to the ground and be soaked into the soil. But indoors, any condensate not being carried away by the drainage system gets in the floors. It can promote mold growth as well as damage flooring materials and floor joists.
Other Things That Can Cause Water Leaks
Any water dripping onto the floor is reason enough to call an HVAC repair contractor. You certainly don’t need to deal with water damage. If a contractor comes out and determines your condensate drain line and drain pan are functioning properly, he will have to look for another culprit.
Here are some other things it can cause HVAC water leaks:
- Dirty Filter – A dirty air filter restricts air flow through the system. This can cause an air conditioner’s evaporator coil to freeze. When the coil eventually thaws out, there will likely be too much water for the drain pan to handle.
- Low Refrigerant – Another condition that can cause the evaporator coil to freeze is low refrigerant. It creates the same problem. Water dripping from the coil after it thaws overwhelms the drain pan.
- Broken Condensate Pump – Interior HVAC units are equipped with a condensate pump that actively removes water from the system. A broken pump causes water to back up in the drain pan where it will eventually overflow.
- Improper Installation – An improperly installed air conditioner could have drainage problems or leaks from the very start. In addition, an improperly sized unit can also fail to drain properly.
If water is dripping from the bottom of your air conditioner, the problem could be as minor as a clogged condensate drain or broken drain pan. More than likely, it is going to be one of these two things. But the problem could also be more serious.
HVAC units produce water through condensation. But you should never see it. So if you do, it might be time to bring in a heating and cooling professional.