Help! My AC Unit Is Leaking 🙁
When it’s hot in Portsmouth, VA, the last thing you want to do is worry about the state of your air conditioner. So when your system starts to pool water, what are you supposed to do? A leaking AC unit is a major problem for anyone, and it can be difficult to know when it’s time to turn to a professional.
Energy Pro Heating & Cooling is the best name in HVAC services throughout Virginia. We’re here to solve problems with anything from heat pumps to leaking AC units as well. But before we do that, you may be curious about what’s causing this excess water and solutions you can try before you call us.
What Can Cause a Leaking AC Unit?
When you have a leaking AC unit, it’s usually due to a few key factors. These can include:
- A frozen evaporator coil
- An overflowing or damaged drain pan
- A clogged condensate drain line
These factors overlap in many cases, but each is a distinct problem that needs to be addressed.
Evaporator Coils
A frozen evaporator is one of the most common sources of air conditioner leakage. This issue starts when air is no longer able to pass through the filter.
The refrigerant that passes through your evaporator coils requires a consistent source of air to absorb heat, and without that, ice will form on the mechanics and drip excess water. This problem not only causes a leaking AC unit but will also prevent your system from cooling as effectively.
Drain Pans
Leaks can also come from a cracked or overflowing drain pan. There are two drain pans in your air conditioner, one welded in place underneath your evaporator coils and a removable one located just under your unit.
These pans can be overloaded by a frozen evaporator coil or damaged to the point where they no longer hold water the way they should.
Condensate Drain Lines
Your condensate drain line functions to funnel excess moisture away from your air conditioner. Occasionally it will get blocked from debris or even just a build-up of fungi or algae.
When that happens, it traps that condensation inside your air conditioner unit, which will eventually cause it to freeze and shut off your air conditioner entirely. In many cases where your AC has turned itself off, it’s usually best to check your drain line and air filter before anything else.
Quick Fixes to Try
The easiest thing you can do to prevent leakage in your air conditioner is to change your filter. If you replace your air filter every 30 to 90 days, you can ensure your system has the airflow it needs to thrive. In doing so, you can operate your AC with the knowledge that it’s working as efficiently as possible.
Similarly, we suggest cleaning your drain line every month. This cleaning can be as simple as removing the cap at the top of the line and pouring ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar inside the opening. Let it sit for thirty minutes, and then flush the solution with water.
Doing this will successfully kill any bacterial buildup that may have been forming, allowing your cooling system to continue operating smoothly.
When to Seek Help
You can try the DIY way for a leaking AC unit in Portsmouth and have it work in many cases. But sometimes, what you need is beyond the scope of what you have around the house.
For instance, if you have a damaged drain pan, it’s best to get it handled by a professional. They have the experience to service both the replaceable pan and the one welded in place.
Regardless of the problem, it’s okay if you don’t feel comfortable handling your leaking air conditioner on your own. For homes in and around Portsmouth, Energy Pro Heating & Cooling can give your home the care it needs.
Finding a Portsmouth AC Repair Specialist Nearby
We’ve been the trusted HVAC experts for communities across the Portsmouth, VA area for a long time. We understand that certain problems can’t wait, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency service. You may even be interested in our Service Club Membership, which can provide you with priority service and discounted prices on all repairs.
You shouldn’t have to fight for the maintenance that you need. So if you’re looking for “AC repair near me,” you can count on Energy Pro Heating & Cooling to help your home in Portsmouth, Chesapeake, or Suffolk and surrounding areas. Call today to schedule your service appointment.