It is pretty instinctual to recognize that a leak isn’t a good thing. But it can be a little confusing to see something leaking that you wouldn’t really relate with your plumbing system.
If your AC unit starts leaking, it can be a bit surprising to see. These systems don’t use water after all. The ones that do, known as evaporative coolers, are few and far between in our area. So, assuming you aren’t one of those few, your AC doesn’t use water. So how is it leaking?
We have the answers to what may be causing this problem and the solutions you need to address it.
What Causes a Leaky Air Conditioner?
As you likely figured out by now, a leak from your AC is a problem that requires an air conditioner repair in Pasco County. These are some of the problems that your system may be facing which can result in a leak.
You have a refrigerant leak
First and foremost, you will want to make sure that you do not have a refrigerant leak. In part of your system, your refrigerant is in liquid form. This means that if you have a leak that liquid has the opportunity to escape. this is obviously problematic for reasons like potential water damage but is also problematic for the overall operation of your air conditioner. A lack of refrigerant can lead to a frozen evaporator coil, short cycling, and even an early system breakdown.
You have an iced-over evaporator coil
We mentioned that an iced-over evaporator coil is the sign of a problem just a moment ago. However, it can also be a source of trouble.
Either due to a refrigerant leak, poor airflow, or a dirty coil, ice and begin to collect on your system evaporator coil. Rather than a sign that the system is simply working incredibly hard, this is going to indicate that something is impeding its absorption of heat which actually reduces its ability to cool your home. What’s more, once your system turns off that ice can begin to melt leading to a leak.
You have a clogged condensate line
As your air conditioner cools the air it will also cause an accumulation of moisture. This means that there is a small amount of dehumidification that occurs during the cooling process which is great news. That moisture drips down into what is known as the condensate pan and is drained out through the condensate drain. Over time though dirt and debris may cause the drain to clog. When you have a clogged condensate drain it can lead to the pan overflowing and causing a leak.
Addressing AC Issues
If your air conditioner starts to leak you want to reach out for professional service as soon as you can. It is fairly clear to see that no cause of a leak in your system is good. Make sure to reach out to us to talk to a technician about getting AC maintenance to address things like a condensate drain clog or AC repairs to address a refrigerant leak or an icy evaporator coil.
Schedule your appointment with Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today.
