You hear a tell-tale trickling noise from some unseen place every time your air conditioner operates. Upon further inspection, you discover a tiny stream of water coming from where it shouldn’t. “Why is my AC leaking water?” you ask aloud, hoping to nip this new problem in the bud. 

WeatherWise Heating & Cooling has solved these watery woes when performing AC services in Fox River Grove, IL. We will examine why a cooling system might leak and list possible solutions below. 

Why Would Water Be Inside My Air Conditioner in Fox River Grove, Illinois?

Air conditioners produce water because of condensation. Your system’s job is to remove heat and humidity and replace them with dry, cool air.

“So, why is my AC leaking water, and what does humidity have to do with it?” A functioning air conditioner captures the moisture via the evaporator coils. The coils cool the warm air, condensing the moisture into a liquid form. 

Ideally, the system disposes of the liquid via the drain pan and line. However, some components may not respond as expected, kickstarting one of many water leak causes. 

Why Is My AC Leaking Water?

Many common air conditioner problems can result in water leaks that develop near vent registers or around the equipment. Let’s explore five reasons our HVAC technicians in Fox River Grove, Illinois, receive service calls from property owners.

#1 The Drain Line Is Clogged or Damaged

The HVAC drainage system captures the excess moisture generated by the evaporator coil. The water collects in the drain pan before trickling through a connected drain line that deposits it outdoors. Sometimes, a dusty blockage or a disconnected line can cause the drain pan to overflow.

“Why is my AC leaking water from the vent closest to the indoor equipment?” It’s likely due to a disconnected or clogged condensate drain line. 

You’ll see water trickling from the vent opening or another, closer fixture like a light socket or ceiling fan. Clogs cause the pan to become too full, leading to a disconnection of the line, allowing water to travel outside of the system’s drainage path. 

#2 You’re Running Low on Refrigerant

An AC drain line blockage isn’t the sole potential culprit. A refrigerant leak can also cause water vapor to liquify and leak from strange, inappropriate areas. The role of refrigerant is to trap warmth and humidity and deposit it outdoors. 

When refrigerant levels run low, the air conditioner loses its ability to transport heat from your home or business in Fox Grove River, Illinois. The evaporator coils freeze and thaw, releasing the frozen moisture into a drain pan that cannot handle that much water at one time. 

#3 The Coils Are Too Filthy

That brings us to the evaporator coils. If you have sufficient refrigerant levels and the drainage system is functioning properly, then the coils may freeze over for other reasons. Ideally, property owners schedule maintenance tune-ups each spring before using their cooling systems full-time.

“Why is my AC leaking water?” Well, have you skipped those tune-ups? During this service, your technician performs AC coil cleaning on the evaporator and condenser coils. Otherwise, dust buildup insulates them, causing them to cyclically freeze and thaw, releasing moisture repeatedly.

#4 The Condensate Pump Stopped Functioning

If your air conditioner’s drainage system is above the unit, it might have a condensate pump. HVAC companies often install these pumps for units assembled in property basements. The pump helps move water from the drainage to an above-ground outdoor location. 

A condensate pump failure means there is no force to push water outside the building. You’ll notice pooling water around the indoor air handler that can trickle into other areas if left unchecked. 

#5 You Need To Change the Filter

Do you change your air filter every three months? If not, a filthy filter will cause several problems, including leaks in extreme situations. Fresh air filters capture particles that would otherwise pollute your indoor environment. 

Once they become caked in dust and filth, they halt sufficient airflow. Since warm air can’t travel far, the evaporator coils may freeze and thaw. Change the air filter to see if it solves the leakage, and contact an HVAC provider near you to check for other damage.