Beware of Air Conditioner Leaks

If you’ve walked down to your basement and noticed water pooled around the furnace – don’t panic! There is a problem but we can explain what’s most likely happened and help you get it professional fixed.

Make sure to turn off your air conditioner completely if you see water puddled around your furnace to ensure no further damage occurs.

First thing’s first: why is there water in the furnace at all? Water forms as a result of the cold evaporator coil that sits on top of the furnace. Warm air flows over the coil to be cooled and forms condensation. The condensation then drips down to a special drain pan and out and away through a condensate drain lined that leads to your floor drain or into your plumbing.

If anything goes wrong with those aforementioned parts, the water won’t drain out of your unit properly and pool around your air conditioner instead. Some of the most common reasons for air conditioner leaks are listed below, but always make sure to consult with a professional to be certain and have a repair scheduled.

1. Clogged Drain Line:

If the line that drains the water away from your coil gets clogged up with dirt and grime, it will flow back and overflow the drain pan and lead to a wet floor in and around your furnace.

2. Broken Condensate Pump:

Your air conditioner may have a condensate pump if it’s located in the basement and there is no floor drain located nearby. The pump helps to expel the collected water. If it’s broken, nothing will push the water out and away.

3. Dirty Air Filter.

When the filter is dirty and clogged up, the cool air meant for your home cannot flow through. The cooled air reverses along the evaporator coil and freezes up the surrounding moisture and condensation. Once this ice melts, it will likely overflow the drain pain and cause the leaks you see on the floor.

4. Low Refrigerant:

A serious problem that can result in damage if not repaired as soon as possible. Low refrigerant occurs when the refrigerant line gets a leak. This will likely also result in freezing the evaporator coil and cause the same issue of melting and overflowing the drain pan. Click here to learn more about low refrigerant in your air conditioner.

With proper scheduled maintenance, you can avoid home comfort system breakdowns like air conditioner leaks. Our certified technicians are ready help and provide you with the very best service.