If you were to think about problems that may plague a boiler, water heater, or any part of a plumbing system, then a water leak is probably among the first that would spring to mind. If we were to ask you to name some common air conditioning problems, on the other hand, a water leak probably wouldn’t make your shortlist. That is entirely reasonable. After all, at no point in the cooling process does water play a role, right?
Be that as it may, the fact that your AC does not use water, store water, or have access to a water supply does not mean that the water surrounding your unit is a figment of your imagination. However, it also isn’t the result of a “leak” in the sense that you may be thinking of. Here are a few reasons why you may notice water coming from your AC. While not every case will indicate a serious problem, scheduling prompt air conditioning repairs in Spring, TX is always in your best interest.
It May Be a Drainage Issue
If an air conditioner doesn’t use water, why does it need drainage? This is a perfectly logical question, and it has a pretty simple answer. While your air conditioner does not utilize water the way that a boiler or water heater does, condensation is a major factor to keep in mind. There is moisture in the air, which can lead to the air feeling overly humid at times. During the cooling process, when refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator coil, this humidity will condense on the coil. That condensation has to go somewhere.
There is a condensate drain pan in the system that serves to collect the condensation as it drips off of the coil. That condensation is then drained away from your home via a condensate drain line. If the drain pan has corroded through, if it is misaligned, or if the growth of algae or other blockages cause the drain line to back up, that condensation can spill out onto your floor. Replacing the compromised component or cleaning the drain line can solve the problem.
It Could Be More Complicated, Though
In other instances, the water leaking out of the system could be the result of ice melting off of the coil. Why might the coil ice over? There are a couple of reasons. The first has to do with a dirty air filter. If the air filter in your system is too dirty, then it will really restrict airflow through the system. That can lead to the coil getting too cold, and ice will develop. When that ice melts, the resulting water can wind up all over your floor. If this is the case, simply changing the air filter should do the trick.
On a much more serious note, you could also have a refrigerant leak. This is a common cause of ice on ACs. If left unresolved, it can lead to serious issues, including damage to the compressor and other key components of your system. If your filter doesn’t seem to be the issue, you should contact us immediately to check for potential refrigerant leaks. We can pinpoint them, fix them, and recharge the refrigerant as needed. Don’t let your system suffer serious damages due to a lack of action.
Milton Frank Plumbing is here for all of your AC service needs. Contact us today to schedule service.