My Air Conditioning System Is Leaking, What Do I Do?

It’s been a long, sweltering summer and you’ve spotted a puddle forming beneath your air conditioning. Your first thought? Uh oh. But don’t panic! Leaking from an air conditioning system unit, while not ideal, is a common issue. But there are some steps you should take to get the leak handled and get your HVAC system back to keeping your summers cool.

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1. Turn Off Your Air Conditioning System

The first step when you notice your air conditioning system leaking is to turn off the system. Continuing to run the air conditioning system while it’s leaking can cause further damage to the unit and your home and be a safety hazard. Turn off the thermostat and cut power to the air conditioning system at the breaker to prevent electrical hazards and additional water leakage until you know exactly what’s causing the leak. If you don’t feel comfortable working with your home’s electrical panel, you should consult with an expert. Call 877-850-9648 to be connected with an HVAC technician near you.

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2. Identify the Source of the Leak

While you may not be able to fix the issue yourself (and we don’t recommend you try without some experience), it’s helpful to try and identify where the leak is coming from so when you do get a hold of a pro, you can make the process smoother. Common sources of air conditioning system leaks include:

• Clogged Condensate Drain Line: The condensate drain line removes excess moisture from the air inside your home. Over time, this line can become clogged with dirt, algae, or debris, leading to water backing up and leaking from the unit.
• Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan: The drain pan catches condensation from the evaporator coils. If the pan is damaged or rusted, water can leak out.
• Frozen Evaporator Coils: If your evaporator coils freeze due to a refrigerant leak or restricted airflow, the ice can melt and cause water to overflow.
• Improper Installation: Sometimes, leaks can result from an improperly installed air conditioning system. If the unit isn’t level or certain components are misaligned, water can pool and leak out.

But remember, there are other possibilities as well so if none of the above seem to be the culprit, you should still call a professional to take a look.

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3. Clean Up and Remove Any Standing Water

After turning off the air conditioning system and identifying the source of the leak, you’ll want to get the standing water cleaned up ASAP. Allowing water to sit can cause water damage to your floors, walls, and furniture and can be a general safety hazard, especially if the water has been allowed to sit for a long time. Use towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or a mop to remove the water and prevent further damage.

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4. Call a Professional HVAC Technician

Once you've taken these initial steps, it's time to call a professional HVAC technician. Attempting to fix the problem yourself can often lead to more harm than good, especially if you're not familiar with the intricacies of an air conditioning system. Here’s why contacting a professional is the best course of action:

• Accurate Diagnosis: HVAC technicians have the training and experience to accurately diagnose the cause of the leak. What may seem like a simple clog or a minor issue could be indicative of a larger problem within the system, such as a refrigerant leak or a failing component.
• Proper Repairs: Professionals have the tools and expertise to perform repairs correctly. Whether it’s unclogging a drain line, replacing a drain pan, or repairing refrigerant leaks, they ensure the job is done safely and effectively, restoring your air conditioning system to optimal performance. You don’t want to cause further issues with a poor repair job.
• Preventing Future Problems: A professional can also inspect your entire HVAC system for any other potential issues that could lead to leaks or other malfunctions down the line. They can perform routine maintenance, such as cleaning the evaporator coils and checking refrigerant levels, which helps prevent future problems and extends the lifespan of your air conditioning system.
• Ensuring Safety: Working with HVAC systems involves dealing with electrical components, refrigerants, and potentially harmful substances like mold. A professional technician knows how to handle these safely, reducing the risk of accidents, health hazards, or further damage to your home.

eLocal has thousands of HVAC technicians in our network, call 877-850-9648 to be connected with a technician near you.

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5. Consider Regular Maintenance

After the immediate issue is resolved, consider setting up a regular maintenance schedule with your HVAC technician. Regular maintenance can help catch potential problems before they escalate into costly repairs or cause significant damage to your system or home.During a maintenance visit, a professional will clean the HVAC system components, check for leaks, test the system’s efficiency, and ensure everything is functioning correctly. This proactive approach can save you money in the long run and keep your home comfortable all year round.

Noticing a leak in your air conditioning system can be alarming, but taking prompt action is crucial to preventing further damage. While there are a few steps you can take on your own, such as turning off the unit and cleaning up any water, the best course of action is to call a professional HVAC technician. Their expertise will ensure that the problem is correctly diagnosed and repaired, allowing you to enjoy a cool, comfortable home without the worry of recurring leaks. Regular maintenance can also help prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind that your air conditioning system is in top condition.
Call 877-850-9648 to get matched with a professional near you, to do it for you.