AC is Leaking: What Do I Do?

If your air conditioner shuts down in the summer, your house can go from a comfortable, relaxing place to a sweltering nightmare. It’s best to have your air conditioner serviced by an HVAC professional once a year to stay ahead of breakdowns. If you spot something problematic between your annual maintenance appointments, knowing what to do can save you a lot of headaches and money.

When people notice their AC is leaking, they sometimes shrug it off as a regular occurrence, like water condensation on a drinking glass. While some condensation is normal, chronic AC leaks can indicate serious problems with your system that require immediate attention.

Gladiator Services, Mahwah's air conditioning repair service, is here to give you all the information you need on air conditioning leaks and how to handle them.

What to Do If Your AC Is Leaking



• Turn off the Air Conditioner - You must turn off your AC unit before you examine it for leaks. Attempting to inspect or repair any electrical device with water or liquid leaking from it can be hazardous, and your AC unit is no different. You’ll also want to shut off the AC to stop the leak before working on it.

• Clean the Water Up - If you find standing water around your air conditioner, clear it away with a mop or towel. AC leaks can cause water damage to your house’s structural components.

• Try to Find What’s Causing the Leak - Your AC may be leaking for several reasons. Examine the unit and the area where the water is collecting to see if you can find an obvious cause of the leak. If the cause isn’t apparent, call a professional HVAC technician to inspect the AC system and root out the problem.

• Replace Your Air Filter - You should replace your AC air filter every two to three months. Homeowners with dogs or cats should replace it more frequently because the dander will collect in the filter and increase the AC system’s workload. If your AC is leaking, the problem has likely become more complicated than a filter replacement. Still, replacing your filter is worth trying before moving forward with more complex methods.

• Make Sure the Refrigerant Is Not Low - If your AC unit is low on refrigerant, it will become too cold to operate correctly. If your AC system runs without enough refrigerant for too long, it will shorten its lifespan and require expensive repairs. An HVAC professional can restore the system’s refrigerant levels for you.

• Check the Drain Pan - Beneath the indoor AC unit is a drain pan that collects condensation and prevents water damage in the event of a leak. If the drain pan has a crack somewhere, it will not be able to contain the water. If you spot a crack in the drain pan, suck out the water with a wet-dry vac and use a water sealant to patch it up. You will need to replace the drain pan, but the water sealant is a practical temporary solution until your new pan arrives.

• Call a Professional HVAC Technician - While you may be able to identify a problem, it may take a professional with experience to fix it. If the leak doesn’t stop once you’ve replaced your air filter and your drain pan seems healthy, you’ll need an HVAC tech to determine what is causing the leak. 

What Is Causing My Air Conditioner to Leak?

There are a few issues that can make your air conditioner leak. Some of them are simple fixes, while others require more complex solutions. It’s important not to procrastinate when you notice your AC is leaking because the issue can worsen quickly and create more problems.

If you notice your AC is leaking, it could be due to:

A Clogged Air Filter

A dirty air filter will reduce airflow to the condenser and evaporator coils. When this situation occurs, the refrigerant can no longer adequately absorb the heat in your home and send it outside. 

A Dirty or Frozen Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is a component of the indoor AC unit that houses the refrigerant while it absorbs heat. If the refrigerant is low or the air filter is dirty, the coil won’t receive enough heated air to function correctly. The coil will then freeze over, creating a water leak as it thaws and refreezes.

If the coil is dirty or covered with mold, it will also be unable to absorb heat and freeze. As the coil cycles through freezing and thawing, it will eventually flood the drain pan, creating a water leak in your home.

Clogged Condensate Drain

The condensate drain is a metal or PVC pipe running from the inside of your home to the outside. It takes the water from the drain pan underneath the indoor air handler and disposes of it outdoors. Sometimes the drain clogs with dirt or debris, causing the drain pan to overflow. 

An experienced HVAC professional will have the tools to find the clog and flush or snake it out.

Refrigerant Leaks

A coolant or refrigerant leak is a far more serious issue than an AC water leak. Refrigerant leaks occur when the metal components in the AC unit rust or corrode due to wear and tear or poor maintenance. Refrigerant is a harsh chemical that can be hazardous to you and your family.

Gaseous refrigerant can enter your home’s ventilation, causing shortness of breath, dizziness, and seizures. Physical contact with refrigerant can result in chemical burns or allergic reactions. 

Call Gladiator Services Today in Westwood, NJ

If your AC is leaking, you don’t have time to wait around for a solution. AC leaks need immediate repair to keep your family safe and prevent additional problems that cost you more money. 

For fast, reliable service in the Mahwah, NJ area, choose Gladiator Services. Can you replace AC without replacing furnace? Click the link to find out, and call us at (201) 512-8972 to learn more about our services.