As the Buffalo summer heats up, your AC is task with keeping up with the heat and humidity. Have you noticed your air conditioning leaking? If so, that’s not something you should ignore, after all, no one wants to be without cool air on a hot day, and an air conditioner that is leaking water could be the first sign of a failing unit.

Why is my Air Conditioning Leaking?

Over 90% of American households have central air or window units, according to the Census Bureau, and it’s not uncommon for them to spring a leak or for you to notice puddles around them. If you have this issue, you are likely wondering why your air conditioning is leaking, and what you can and should do about it. Let’s review.

There are several common reasons that you may notice water leaking out of your AC unit.

– Blocked Drain Line: The most common reason for air conditioning to leak is due to a clogged drain line. Every home AC system has a drain line that runs from the condenser coils inside the home to the exterior of the home or another drainage point. With time, mold and mildew, and algae and fungi, can grow inside the drain line and create clogs. When a blockage occurs, water can’t escape and drain to the outside of the home. The line becomes backed up, causing the liquid to come back inside and leak water into your home.

– Low Refrigerant: Having little to no refrigerant in your air conditioner may lower the pressure in your unit and can cause refrigerant leaks. This can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze and create a liquid mess. If you notice that your air conditioner isn’t cooling down your home as effectively as it should, check the refrigerant levels. Early detection can help you keep your air conditioner from leaking.

– Air Filter is Dirty: As we have reviewed before, there are many benefits of changing your Buffalo, New York air filter. Not only can a dirty air filter put a strain on your home’s HVAC system, a grimy filter can block the flow of air that moves over the unit’s evaporator coil. When the air is blocked, the coil becomes extremely cold and can start to freeze. As the frozen coil melts, the excess water can create puddling and leaking.

– Issues with the Drain Pan: The drain pan is located underneath your evaporator coil and its job is to collect any liquid from your AC indoor unit. Your drain pan can become cracked, rusted, or have other sealant issues. Any problem with your drain pan means that the excess moisture cannot properly drain outside, which could be the cause of your air conditioning leaking.  

How Should I Handle my Leaking AC?

Air conditioning that is leaking, can be irritating, cause water damage to your home, and could potentially indicate a much larger issue with your AC unit. The best thing you can do if you start to notice your AC leaking water, is to call a professional AC expert.

If your home is starting to heat up and/or water is leaking from your air conditioning, don’t wait a minute longer. Call Reimer Home Services for Day or Night air conditioning repair in Buffalo, NY. We’re your around-the-clock repair team, and we don’t charge you anything extra for nights or weekends.