Causes & Solutions – Leaking Air Conditioners

If you went to turn on your air conditioner and noticed that it is leaking, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. While there are small things you can do on your own, it is often in your best interest to call on an HVAC professional before you have a more serious problem on your hands. Leaking air conditioners can destroy ceilings, walls, and anything else around them.

Dirty Air Filter (Frozen Evaporator Coils)
There are only a few causes of a leaking air conditioner, and one is a clogged air filter. A dirty air filter blocks airflow over the evaporator coil which causes the evaporator coil to freeze up.

Since refrigerant flows through your evaporator coils and requires proper airflow to absorb heat, restricted airflow will cause the ice to melt. This excess amount of water may be too much for your pan to handle, which then causes the leak.


Solution: As a homeowner, you can change out the air filter more in the summer when your air conditioning system will be running for extended periods of time. If the issue is still happening, contact our team for a system checkup.


Low Refrigerant (Frozen Evaporator Coil)
If replacing your air filter has not fixed the leak, you might have low refrigerant which requires the services of a professional. When your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, it lowers the pressure in your air conditioning system which (like the dirty air filters) will cause the evaporator coil to freeze up.


Solution: Depending on the severity of the leak, repairing the leak is the ideal option. If you do not repair the leak in time and it has gotten out of hand, the entire A/C system may need to be completely replaced. Our team can diagnose the cause of the leak and can ensure your refrigerant levels are as they should be.


Clogged Condensate Drain Line
Another reason why your air conditioner might be leaking is a clogged drain line. The usual culprit for clogs in your drain pipe includes mold, dirt, insects, fungi, algae, and debris. Clogged drain lines prevent water from going anywhere but inside the home which is why it is necessary to have the drain line cleared every so often.


Solution: If you own a wet-dry vacuum, you can use it to suck out whatever is clogging the condensate pipe. If you are unsure of how to do this, you can call the team at Brown Heating & Air Conditioning LLC and one of our qualified repair technicians would be happy to help you.


Cracked or Overflowing Drain Pan
The overflow drain pan, located underneath your indoor evaporator coils, catches condensate that forms when warm air passes over cold evaporator coils. This condensation then flows into the condensate drain pipe to be directed outdoors. The condition of the drain pan can be inspected while the unit is off by using a flashlight and about a gallon of water – but any inspections are best left to the professionals.


Solution: A wet-dry vacuum can be used to clean the overflow pan and inspect the bottom, corners, and edges. Any leaks can be temporarily fixed but if it is beyond a simple repair, it is best to call in the professionals at Brown Heating & Air Conditioning LLC for replacement.


If your air conditioning system is leaking, trust our team to diagnose and repair your unit. We have been serving the Gainesville area for many years and know what it takes to repair any make or model AC system. Contact us today
for service.