When your air conditioner is running properly, your home will be cool and dry. A leaking air conditioner is annoying but isn’t necessarily harmful. It depends on whether it’s leaking water or refrigerant.
Water leaking from your air conditioner isn’t dangerous but can cause a lot of damage to your home. On the other hand, a coolant leak is dangerous for you and the environment. In either situation, fixing a leak will require skilled air conditioning repair.
In most instances, you can prevent your air conditioner from leaking by requesting yearly air conditioning maintenance. During your appointment, an HVAC tech will closely inspect your system for issues and clean it. This service helps ensure worry-free performance and may even boost energy efficiency.
Learn more about why your air conditioner is leaking and how you can stop it from happening in the future.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?
Water is a natural byproduct of the cooling process. Your air conditioner has two systems, one outside and one inside. The indoor unit includes an evaporator coil that cools warm air as it blows over it. Condensation forms as the air cools, flows into a drain pan and goes out of your home through a condensate drain line.
Because of the condensation process, having water leak is a common problem. We often get calls about an air conditioner leaking water inside or an air conditioner leaking water outside. Here’s why it occurs:
Drain Line Is Clogged
Over time, mold can clog the condensate drain line. This can lead to water leaking inside your home. Our Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc pros can eliminate clogs and get water draining again smoothly. Reach us at 251-471-2674 for assistance.
Air Filter Needs to Be Changed
We recommend changing flat filters once a month and pleated filters every three months.
Replacing your air filter is crucial for:
- Indoor air quality
- Energy efficiency
- Reducing breakdowns
- Extending your air conditioner’s life span
A dirty air filter can reduce airflow, make the coil very cold and freeze it. As the coil defrosts, it can make the drain pan overflow. We recommend inspecting your air filter if you haven’t changed it lately and your air conditioner is leaking water indoors.
If this doesn’t fix the issue, your drain pan may be rusty or have a malfunctioning condensate pump. Getting a new pan or pump requires a professional, so contact us at 251-471-2674 for assistance.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Freon?
Your air conditioner uses coolant to move heat. If your air conditioner was installed before 2011, it probably uses R-22 Freon. Over time, chemicals in Freon can eat away at metal and create leaks.
It’s good to know about air conditioner Freon leak symptoms in the event your system has one. They include:
- Air that feels warmer or more humid than normal
- Bubbling or hissing sounds near the air conditioner
- Sweet smell near the air conditioner
- Frozen evaporator coil
Freon is hazardous to your health if handled improperly, so you’ll want an HVAC pro like Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc to repair an air conditioner coolant leak. In many instances, it might just be better to schedule air conditioning installation since Freon is expensive. Manufacturing of this coolant was stopped in 2020 due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. As a result, only reduced recycled quantities are available.
Rely on Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc for Repairing Your Air Conditioner Leaks
When it comes to air conditioning repair in Mobile, go with the company your neighbors and friends trust. We’ve been known for our fast, friendly and affordable services since 1971. Contact us at 251-471-2674 to schedule your appointment now!