A Guide on What to Do When Your AC Is Leaking Water

Your AC is one of the most important appliances in your home. In fact, an estimated 87% of American homes have air conditioning. Not only does an AC keep your home cool and comfortable during hot summer months, but it can also improve indoor air quality and reduce allergies.

However, even the best ACs will eventually encounter some common AC repairs. One common issue that you’re likely to encounter during your AC’s 15 to 20 years lifespan is water leaks.

If you find that your AC is leaking water, don’t panic. In this blog post, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on what to do when you have a leaky air conditioner.

Shut off the Unit at the Breaker Box

The first step in dealing with an AC unit that’s leaking is to shut it off at the breaker box. If you can’t do that, turn off the AC at the thermostat.

This is important because it will prevent further damage to the unit. It will also give you time to troubleshoot the problem and fix it without having to worry about the AC unit turning on and continuing to leak.

To shut off the breaker box, simply find the breaker that controls the AC unit and flip it to the “off” position. If you can’t find the breaker box, or if you can’t flip the breaker, you can turn off the AC at the thermostat by setting it to “off” or “emergency heat.”

Once you’ve turned off the AC unit, you can begin troubleshooting the problem.

Locate the Water Shut-off Valve and Close It

This step is important because it will stop the flow of water and prevent further damage.

If you’re not sure where the water shut-off valve is, check your owner’s manual or ask a professional. Once you’ve located the valve, simply turn it clockwise to close it.

If you can’t find the valve or if it’s damaged, you may need to shut off the main water supply to your home. Again, if you’re not sure how to do this, visit https://www.acrepairsrockwall.com/ac-repair-greenville-tx for professional help.

Taking this simple step can help to prevent you from having to deal with a broken air conditioner down the road.

Drain Any Water That May Have Collected in the Unit

It’s common for water to collect in your AC unit, especially after a long period of operation.

If this water isn’t drained, it can lead to a number of problems, including rust and corrosion. Additionally, the water can eventually freeze, causing damage to the unit’s internal components.

To prevent these common AC problems, it’s important to drain any water that has collected in the unit on a regular basis. This can be done by opening the drain plug and allowing the water to flow out. Once the plug is open, be sure to check the area around the unit for any leaks.

If you see any leaks, consider scheduling a professional air conditioning service before you can use the unit again.

Clean the Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils inside your AC unit can get dirty over time, and when they do, they can cause the unit to leak. To clean the coils, you’ll need to remove the front panel of the unit and locate the coils.

Once you’ve found them, use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a long attachment to remove any dirt or dust. Be careful not to damage the coils as you clean them.

Once you’ve finished cleaning the coils, replace the front panel and turn the AC unit back on. You should notice a reduction in leaking after completing this step.

Inspect the Air Filter and Replace It if Necessary

One possible reason your AC unit might be leaking is that the air filter is dirty. A clogged filter makes your AC work harder, which can cause it to freeze up and start leaking. Inspecting the air filter is a simple and easy way to troubleshoot this issue.

Simply remove the filter and hold it up to a light. If you can see light shining through, then the filter is clean and doesn’t need to be replaced. However, if the filter is dark and opaque, then it’s time for a new one.

Replacing a dirty air filter is a quick and easy fix that could potentially save you from having to call a technician.

Examine the Condensate Pump

The condensate pump is responsible for draining the water that condenses on the coils.

If the condensate pump is clogged or damaged, it can cause your AC unit to leak. To prevent this, it’s important to examine the condensate pump regularly and make sure it’s in good working condition.

You can do this by checking the float switch and making sure there’s no debris in the pump. If you find that the condensate pump is damaged, you should replace it immediately.

Remove Any Debris That May Be Blocking the Airflow

Debris can build up over time and cause your unit to work harder than necessary, which can lead to a leak. To clear debris, first, turn off your AC unit. Then, remove the panel that covers the outdoor unit.

Be careful not to damage the panel or the unit itself. Once the panel is removed, you should see the coils. Use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove any dirt or debris from the coils.

If there is extensive build-up, you may need to use a mild cleaning solution. Once you’ve removed all of the debris, replace the panel and turn on your AC unit.

Know What to Do When Your AC Is Leaking Water

A leaky AC unit can be a frustrating problem, but by following the steps outlined above, you can fix the issue quickly and easily.

If you’re still having trouble, consider calling a professional AC repair technician. They will be able to diagnose why your AC is leaking water and make any necessary repairs.

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