Is your air conditioner leaking? Then it is going to be a hot week and a much hotter summer if you continue to use your leaking air conditioner. If you have switched on your air conditioning unit and it has sprung a leak, you may wish to try finding the problem before consulting a professional. As a savvy homeowner, little repairs and minor enhancements can often be completed easily.
Fixing a Leaking Air Conditioner
There are several factors that may cause an air conditioning unit to leak. Check out the reasons we have gathered for you below so as to find the fault behind the leak.
Cracked or Missing Drain Pain
The drain pain can be found right underneath the evaporator coil and it collects and condensation that comes out from your indoor unit. If there are any cracks, rusts, or a misplacement, it will not allow water to properly drain outside.
Clogged Drain Line
Fungi and algae can clog up your air conditioning condensation drain line. Try supplying the component with approximately 6 ounces of vinegar once every few months to eliminate any fungi and algae buildup. You may also wish to make use of a wet or dry vacuum to suck out all the buildup.
Clogged Air Filter
It is important to allow proper airflow in your indoor air handler to facilitate a smooth function. If the air filter is clogged, airflow becomes restricted which may cause various problems to arise including excess water dripping from the frozen evaporator coils. You need to change the air filter once every one to two months to prevent this problem.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
When your evaporator coils are frozen, it means that your refrigerant can no longer receive heat from your home. This will cause your air conditioning unit to blow warm air or no air at all. There are also several risks that may happen to your compressor. If you notice any signs that lead to a frozen evaporator coil, turn off your unit and do not turn it on until the frozen issue has been rectified.
Overflowing Drain Pan
Use a wet or dry vacuum to clean any excess condensate and inspect the corners of the drain pan as well as its bottom and edges. A temporary fix includes using a water sealant but a total replacement is highly recommended.
Condensate Drain Line
When the condensate drain line becomes blocked with algae, fungi, and debris, you need to clear the drain line once in a while. Below are the steps that you can follow to achieve this:
- Locate the PVC pipe which can be found near the air handler’s drain pan. There should be a piece of pipe that sticks out.
- Unscrew the cap and add at least 6 ounces of vinegar. Perform this once every several months to get rid of any fungi or algae buildup. If the drain line is still clogged, you may use a dry or wet vacuum or hire a professional.
- Locate the outdoor drain line and connect your wet and dry vacuum attachment. This will clear any clogs.
