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When it’s the middle of summer and the temperatures are high, the last thing you need is a malfunctioning air conditioner. One of the most common issues with air conditioner systems is leaking water. If you’ve noticed that your AC is leaking and you can’t seem to figure out why, keep reading to find out about some of the common causes of why your AC might be leaking water into your home.

A Clog in the Condensate Drain Line

The condensate drain line is a pipe or tube attached to your AC that ensures that the excess moisture from the system drains outside, not inside your home. When this line becomes clogged, your AC could leak water as this excess condensation has nowhere else to go. This is one of the most common reasons that an AC will leak water.

While some homeowners have attempted to fix this themselves with a shop vacuum, this only removes the water rather than fixing the underlying problem. Worse, trying to DIY this project can create further problems, and you could rip or tear the line and cause even more leaks. Thus, it’s a project best left to the professionals.

A Dirty Filter

The filter on your AC keeps grime, dust, and debris from blowing throughout your home. However, when it becomes dirty and clogged, it can create leaking issues within the system. This happens because the evaporator coil, which is the part of your unit that turns hot air into cold air, doesn’t get the proper unrestricted airflow it needs to function, which can cause it to freeze. As it returns to normal temperature, this condensation can create leaks in your home.

While we almost always advise that homeowners call the professionals rather than attempting to do repairs on their own, thankfully changing and replacing the filter is an easy task that homeowners can do themselves. Periodically check the filter on your AC. While some dirt and debris are normal, your AC shouldn’t be so full of dust and grime that you can see a visible sheet of it. It’s better to err on the side of caution and change the filter frequently. If you change the filter and the problem persists, it’s time to consult a professional.

A Badly Installed Unit

Your AC is a system that needs all components within it to be properly functioning for the system as a whole to do the same. When one part of the component has been improperly installed, the entire system can malfunction. For example, if your unit is crooked or wasn’t installed at an even level, the normal moisture meant to be collected in the drain line or pan might slide out and begin to leak from the bottom of the unit. If you suspect that your AC might have been poorly installed, you might need to find a professional who can assess the situation and figure out how it can be uninstalled and reinstalled to ensure it doesn’t continue to leak.

Unusually High Humidity Levels

While this might sound odd, sometimes the guilty party in a situation where an AC is leaking isn’t the AC but rather unusual or extreme weather conditions. Believe it or not, your AC might leak water even when the unit itself functions perfectly fine. Unusually high humidity levels can cause your AC to leak because the system becomes overwhelmed by the excess moisture in the air.

Consider investing in a dehumidifier, which can keep humidity out of your home and allow your AC to function properly. Furthermore, check that the sealing around your windows is efficient and not allowing the elements from the outside of your home to enter the inside. Not only does this help keep humidity out, but you always want a tight seal around your windows when you’re running your AC, as this helps to lower your energy expenses and reduce the excess strain that you put on your system.

A leaky AC can be a major inconvenience, but luckily, the issue is often remedied with a relatively simple fix. We also offer AC replacement! A trained HVAC technician can easily figure out what the problem is and take care of it. At Jco Heating A/C Electrical, our professional staff is waiting and ready to help Springfield homeowners with any AC issues they may be experiencing, in addition to any problems with their heating or electrical systems. Give us a call today to learn more.