Quite often, the air conditioner starts to leak water and homeowners tend to ignore it until the time they start noticing a drop in performance or damage to the property.
In the summer, when the outside temperatures soar, it is your air conditioning system that maintains your home at a temperature that keeps you cool and comfortable. However, it is quite normal for an air conditioning system to develop a problem and malfunction. A common problem associated with air conditioners is that of leaks and drips.
When a Small Problem Becomes a Large Problem
HVAC experts believe that even small air conditioner leaks should not be ignored as it could mean a major underlying problem and can cause extensive water damage to the property. The moment homeowners detect water leakage or even small drips from the air conditioner, they should immediately call an HVAC company to carry out necessary repairs and maintenance. There are certain things that homeowners may try on their own; however, it might not always help and may cause unnecessary delays in repair that can aggravate the problem further.
Causes of Water Leaks
The main cause of water leaking from your air conditioner is the clogged condensation pipe. If either or both of the condensation lines become clogged, it can lead to water problems. The common causes of clogging are:
- Air blockage
- Dirty air filters
- Growth of mineral deposits in the drains
- Algae growth inside the pipes
- Rodent or pest infestation
- Improper installation
- Low refrigerant levels
- Compromising slop of line due to settling or shifting of the home
Preventing a Leaky Air Conditioner
HVAC systems remove moisture from the air through condensation, and when the drain lines become clogged, the drip pan gets filled and overflows into the home. HVAC technicians believe that the only way to prevent a leaky air conditioner is to get periodic maintenance done. Also, the moment you detect leaks or drips, you should call up a technician. The HVAC technician would come and check your air conditioner and possibly recommend one of the following solutions:
- Check the drain lines and remove any debris that might be creating a blockage.
- Change dirty air filters
- Conduct a cleanup of the blower assembly
- Clean evaporator coils and condenser
- Inspect and tighten the electrical connections
- Inspect the system for refrigerant leaks, as low levels of refrigerant will not only increase leaks from the drain pan but also increase running costs and wear and tear of the system.
A great way to ensure that your air conditioning system works at its peak efficiency and does not cost you exorbitant power bills is to get periodic scheduled maintenance done by a professional heating and cooling company. Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625. Ensure that your system does not suffer unexpected breakdowns and keeps you cool and comfortable throughout the summer.