When you discover water pooling around your air conditioner you might be concerned about the condition of your cooling system. A leaking air conditioner can damage floors, walls, and even cause mold growth if left unchecked. But why does this happen, and how can you fix it? Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning will highlight some of the common causes of air conditioner leaks, how to troubleshoot the problem, and when to call a professional for help.

How Does an Air Conditioner Produce Water?

Before diving into the causes of leaks, it’s important to understand why your air conditioner produces water in the first place. Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air as it cools your home. The warm, humid air passes over the cold evaporator coil, causing condensation to form. This water then drips into the drain pan and exits through the drain line outside your home. If any part of this process fails, water can leak inside your home instead of draining properly.

Common Causes of an Air Conditioner Leak

Clogged Condensate Drain Line: Over time, dirt, mold, and algae can clog the condensate drain line, preventing water from draining properly. When this happens, the water backs up and spills out of the drain pan.
Dirty Air Filter: A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to freeze. When the ice melts, excess water can overflow the drain pan, leading to a leak.
Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan: The drain pan catches condensation from the evaporator coil. If it is rusted or cracked, water will leak out instead of draining through the line.
Low Refrigerant Levels: When refrigerant levels are too low, the evaporator coil gets too cold and freezes over. When the ice melts, it creates excess water, which can overwhelm the drain system.
Improper Air Conditioner Installation: If your air conditioner unit is not level, water may not drain properly and instead leak into your home. This is common in window air conditioner units and improperly installed central air conditioner systems.
Frozen Evaporator Coil: A frozen coil can result in excess water leakage when the ice melts. This can be caused by low refrigerant, dirty filters, or blocked airflow.

When to Call a Professional AC Contractor

While some air conditioner leaks are easy to fix, others require professional help. Call an HVAC technician if:
• You have tried clearing the drain line, but the leak persists.
• The evaporator coil keeps freezing.
• There are signs of refrigerant issues (weak cooling, bubbling sounds, etc.).
• Your air conditioner is old, and the drain pan is rusted or cracked.
• You suspect an installation issue affecting drainage.

How to Prevent Future Air Conditioner Leaks

• Schedule regular air conditioner maintenance to keep your system running smoothly.
• Change air filters every 1 to 3 months to prevent coil freezing.
• Inspect the drain line and flush it with vinegar to prevent clogs.
• Check for refrigerant leaks and low levels before summer begins.
• Ensure your air conditioner unit is properly installed and level.

Central Air Conditioner Maintenance, Replacement, Emergency Repairs & More in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson, Chicopee & Agawam, Massachusetts

A leaking air conditioner is a clear sign that something isn’t right but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often fix the issue before it leads to major damage. If you are dealing with persistent air conditioner leaks or need professional maintenance, contact Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning today.