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Leaking water is one of the more common air conditioner problems that we see. If this is happening to your AC unit, you’ll want to get it fixed as quickly as possible, particularly if it happens during the hot summer months. Not only will this get that cool air flowing once more, but it can also prevent costly water damage to your home.
Why Is There Water in My Air Conditioner?
The evaporator coil inside your air conditioning unit cools the warm external air as it passes over it. Condensation then forms on the coil, just as it does on a glass of water on a hot day. This condensation then drips down into the drain pan below and out through the condensate drain line. This is all completely normal, but if one of the components isn’t working properly, that water can leak out of your air conditioner and into your home.
What Causes that Water to Leak Out?
Sometimes, the AC unit’s air filter can get overly dirty, preventing air from flowing through your air conditioner. This causes the evaporator coil to freeze over, as it doesn’t have the warm air around it that it usually does. When it melts again, the amount of water is often too much for the rest of the system to handle.
Another possibility is that the drain pan has become damaged or rusted over time. When this happens, small holes can form in it, allowing water to seep through. If the drain pan looks fine, the problem could be with the condensate drain line. If it gets clogged, the water won’t be able to drain from the drain pan, causing it to overflow.
If your AC unit is installed in your basement, you’ll have a condensate pump to push the water up and out. When there is a problem with the condensate pump, it can’t get rid of the water as it should, resulting in leaks.
How Can I Fix It?
When you are having trouble with your air conditioner, the first thing you should do is turn off your AC unit. This will help to prevent further damage to the unit itself and to your home. Unless you have experience with air conditioner repair, it is best to call an experienced AC repair service.
Here at Custom Air Systems, we provide 24-hour AC repair in Houston and can help solve your AC problem right away. We can also help with the ongoing maintenance of your air conditioning system so that it keeps working great for many years to come. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your Houston home comfortably cool.