Why is my air conditioning leaking?

A functioning air conditioning system is a much-appreciated addition to a home or commercial property. Air conditioning can bring that wonderful cool relief during summer months and, for those with reverse cycle, the warmth required for a comfortable winter. But what happens if you notice your air conditioning unit leaking?

Why is water dripping from my AC?

There are several reasons why you may notice your air conditioning unit leaking water.

The most common cause of an air conditioning leaking water is a build-up in the condensate pump. Without regular maintenance, dirt can build up which gets caught in the pump and can cause it to fail. Setpoint22 engineers carry a variety of pumps on board to complete a first-time fix.

Another potential cause of your air conditioning unit leaking water is a clogged drain. This could be from a buildup of dust or debris, or even from insects or other animals building small nests that block the drain holes of the AC unit. A certain amount of water is expected to drain from the external components of your air conditioning system. If the water cannot drain in the way the unit is designed to, you may notice water dripping from it.

The drainage pan may be cracked or warped, resulting in water overflowing rather than draining correctly. Similarly, as the drainage pans are shallow, if the unit is not functioning correctly and more condensation forms than normal, it can lead to your air conditioning unit leaking water.

If your air conditioning system has not been correctly installed and as a result is not sitting level with the drainage lines correctly positioned, this can also result in your air conditioning unit leaking water. Choosing experienced installers with extensive knowledge of your air conditioning needs can take this risk factor out of the equation.

Faulty components within the air conditioning system could result in your AC not functioning correctly and result in your air conditioning unit leaking water. It is important to choose a quality unit and an experienced professional installer who can also conduct regular maintenance on your AC system. If there are any issues they can be diagnosed and addressed before any further damage is done.

Should I turn off my AC if it’s leaking water?

Easy answer: yes!

If you notice your air conditioning leaking it is a good idea to turn off your AC and get the issue addressed by a HVAC professional as soon as possible.

As you can see from the potential causes of your air conditioning unit leaking, some causes simply require a good clean to resolve the issue.

Others may require a replacement part and repairs.

Either way, an experienced HVAC professional will be able to assess and address the problem before further damage occurs to either your AC unit or your home or commercial property.

Can I still use aircon if its leaking?

Can I and should I are two very different realities.

While it may be possible to continue to use your air con if it’s leaking, running your air con while it’s leaking water could result in damage to the air conditioning system and to the walls or floor of your home or commercial premises.

This could be costly, and is preventable by turning off your air conditioning unit leaking water and seeking guidance from a HVAC professional as soon as possible.

A leaking air conditioning system can lead to the growth of mould or bacteria, which can impact the health and wellbeing of people and pets in your home or commercial property.

Continuing to run your AC while it’s leaking may also mean it has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature resulting in higher energy use and cost, and potentially further strain on other components within the air conditioning system.

Is an AC leak easy to fix?

A leaking air conditioning system may be easy to fix or more complicated depending on the cause of the leak, the length of time it’s been leaking, and any further damage that has been done to the unit and your home or commercial property because of the leak.

The experienced team at Setpoint22 can assess the leak and ensure the correct response to fix the problem regardless of the cause.

They can also guide you on the best steps to take to avoid future leaks.

How do I stop my air conditioner from leaking?

The old adage applies here; ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’

Having a professional assist you in choosing and/or designing an air conditioning system suitable for your needs and space and having it installed correctly by experienced licenced HVAC professionals is the first step.

A regular maintenance schedule by professional HVAC technicians is the next important step you can take to ensure you don’t have an air conditioning unit leaking water.

If you do find your air conditioning unit leaking, contact your HVAC professionals immediately for their assistance in rectifying the issue before further damage occurs.

For more information about choosing the right air conditioning unit for your home or commercial property, installation and maintenance, contact the friendly staff at Setpoint22 today and avoid the headache of your air conditioning unit leaking water.