Why Your AC is Leaky

A random puddle of water located near your air handling unit may be a surprise, but it is important to investigate, especially if the issue persists or worsens. Many homeowners don’t realize that an air conditioning unit is an integral part of a structure’s humidity control solution. As your air supply comes into contact with the cold evaporator coils, moisture condenses on the coils, collecting in a drain pan just below and moving out of the structure through connected drainage lines. If you clean the puddle and find that water continues to appear, you may need to contact your HVAC provider for assistance with the relevant equipment.

Air Conditioner Troubleshooting and Leaks

There are three major reasons for an overflow of water from the drain pan. These include:

• Excess condensate liquid – if too much liquid drips into the pan, it may overflow due to the inability of the condensate pump to keep up with the volume. This may occur in situations such as an AC freeze, an issue involving the development of ice on your coils. Melted ice may add to the condensate produced as the air conditioner operates, resulting in more fluid than the system can process.
• Material in the drainage system – your air handling unit can accumulate dirt and debris during normal operation, resulting in issues such as poor energy transfer and airflow. The material can also settle in the drain pan or be carried into the area as liquid drips from dirty coils. Annual AC maintenance is important for keeping the drainage components free of blockages.
• Malfunctioning condensate pump – if the pump responsible for moving water out of the drain pan fails, the liquid in the pan can overflow, resulting in that perceived leak. An HVAC contractor will need to replace or repair the component.

Make AC Maintenance a Yearly Priority

As you deal with the current leak from your system, consider the importance of adding preventative maintenance to your plans each spring. During this service, your air handler will be cleaned thoroughly, including the drainage components. Additionally, the entire system will be inspected and fine-tuned to ensure optimum performance during the upcoming cooling season. Tempco Heating & Air Conditioning is available to assist with your preventive AC care. We are also available for AC repairs in Crystal Lake IL on a scheduled or emergency basis. Call our office for assistance.