What to Do If Your Air Conditioner Is Dripping Water
Noticing water dripping from your air conditioning system can be quite alarming. Luckily, it is not always as serious of an issue as you might first think, depending on the specific cause. It’s important to know the potential causes of an AC drip and what to do if you ever find yourself facing this situation.
Water Dripping From the Exterior of an AC Unit
There are times when water dripping or pooling around an outdoor AC condenser unit is normal, especially on overly hot or humid days. This is usually nothing to worry about, as the water is simply a result of the condensation that naturally forms when the unit runs. However, there is a chance that the puddle you see might not be water but instead refrigerant leaking from the unit. If this were the case, you would be well served to call for air conditioner repair right away.
If the liquid is greasy or has a sweet smell, you can be fairly certain that the unit has a refrigerant leak. In this case, you should always shut your AC off and call for professional assistance. An inspection is necessary, or the system will suffer severe damage. When an AC is leaking and there isn’t enough refrigerant in the system, the refrigerant pressure decreases, causing it to become much colder. This can lead to the evaporator coil freezing. Low pressure can also cause the compressor motor to overheat and seize up, in which case you’ll typically have to replace the entire outdoor AC unit.
Water Dripping Inside the Home
Water dripping from your HVAC equipment inside your home often indicates an issue with the condensate drain system. In most cases, the problem is due to a clogged or damaged drain line or a leaky drain pan. These issues generally won’t damage your AC or prevent it from working properly, but you should still shut your AC off to reduce the risk of water damage and mold growth. When inspecting the system, the technician will check for leaks in the drain lines and drain pan and make sure the pipes aren’t clogged.
A damaged drain line may need to be replaced. If the drain pan is damaged and leaking, the technician may be able to repair it and stop the leak, depending on the extent of the damage. However, some drain pans are welded directly to the bottom of the evaporator coil. In this case, an option may be to replace the entire coil assembly.
F & R Air Conditioning, Inc. offers professional AC inspections and repair services for customers in Abbeville and the surrounding areas. We also offer indoor air quality assessments, geothermal services, ductwork repairs, and thermostat upgrades. If your AC is dripping or has any other issues, give us a call, and we’ll get the problem taken care of promptly.
