We all know that an air-conditioner’s main job is to cool the air so the home or apartment can be tolerable on a scorching summer day. Leaks are generally never a good thing. The pooling of water near the A/C is something that should be tended to sooner rather than later as it can indicate a bigger problem.
Clogged Condensation Drain Line
The condensation line is a simple vinyl or PVC pipe that takes the water removed from the air and directs it outside the home or down a nearby drain pipe. If the water has nowhere to go it starts backing up. Dirt and debris from the evaporator coil eventually do clog the line. Sometimes a wet/dry vacuum, or a hand pump, is needed to suck out the clog. Bleach can be added to kill off any algae and mold. This should also be part of your regular air conditioner maintenance.
Malfunctioning Condensation Line Pump
If the condensation lines are free of any blockage, it could be the pump itself that’s not pushing water away from the unit, and thus pooling up nearby. The way to check the pump is to dump some water in the condensation overflow pan. If the water stays there, then the cause of the leaking is a pump issue. Contact an HVAC service technician ASAP to diagnose and replace the pump.
Dirty/Clogged Air Filter
There are a number of reasons to change your filter frequently, from delivering cleaner air to lessening the wear and tear on any HVAC system. But the main point of a clean filter is to allow unimpeded air flow. You can tell if a filter needs changing just by seeing its beautiful brown color, but a frozen evaporator coil is another indication. When the air flow is restricted, the evaporator coil starts to ice up, and when that ice melts and it will look like an air conditioner leak. If the problem persists even after changing the filter, the cause could be more serious.
New Installation
An air-conditioner leak will usually develop over time. However, if the leak begins from the get-go then it is likely due to improper installation. The pressure may be off, the unit could be out of level, or the condensation trap may be poorly designed. It’s important to inspect the unit frequently in the first month of installation (while under labor warranty) and not just enjoy the cool air. If you notice any leakage, be sure to contact the manufacturer or the installer to have it repaired/replaced under warranty.
Usually, an inspection of where the water is coming from will give you an idea of the fix that’s needed, whether the issue is a cracked drain pan, a clogged drain pipe, a rotted or punctured tube, etc. The best bet is to call an HVAC technician for an inspection and a guaranteed fix.
