Why is My HVAC Unit Leaking?

The days are still on the warm side here in the south, and your HVAC unit is continuing to work hard to keep your house cool. Have you recently noticed that your air conditioner is leaking? A variety of things can lead to a leaky or dripping unit — some of which aren’t serious, and some that require attention as soon as possible. The worst thing you can do if you notice a leak is ignore it. A professional will be able to inform you of the next steps you should take. Some common causes of a leaky unit are listed below. 

Frozen Evaporator Coils 

At Middleton, we try our best to remind our customers that air filters should be changed once a month, especially if you have pets in the house. If your air filter is thick with dust and dirt, it can become clogged. When air can’t freely pass through the filter, this can cause your evaporator coils to freeze. Ice will form and lead to a dripping mess. Dirty coils, lack of refrigerant and blocked air vents can also cause this problem. 

Clogged Drain Line

When your drain line becomes clogged with mold or debris, water has nowhere to go and backs up into your living space. An HVAC professional will recognize build up and clean it out during a routine visit, saving you from this potential problem. If your drain line is already clogged, one of our technicians will safely and easily clear the blockage for you.

Damaged Drain Pan

Your drain pan catches condensation produced by your HVAC unit, and is commonly located underneath the evaporator coils. If your drain pan is cracked, leaks are inevitable. The part will need to be replaced by a professional as soon as possible. If your drain pan is full and overflowing, your problem is possibly a clogged drain pipe that needs to be cleaned out. This can easily be resolved by one of our technicians.

Poorly Insulated Air Ducts

In summer and winter alike, condensation can form inside or outside of air ducts that are poorly insulated.  This can lead to condensation draining through the vents. If your air ducts lack insulation, it’s an easy fix but should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent discomfort or water damage. Air could also be escaping around your vents instead of flowing through the grates, which can cause condensation to build up and drip from the vents. An HVAC technician will be able to identify and solve either problem. 

Is your HVAC system dripping? We’re here to help. If you’re ready to get rid of the leaking, or you want to schedule routine maintenance, give us a call at 1-800-404-0371. You can also visit us online for more information about the Middleton team.