With the average temperature in the high 80s and 90s for more than six months of the year, the Jacksonville climate makes a working air conditioner a must. With these high temperatures, your a/c system is forced to work harder which can increase the risk for issues, including your system leaking water. Read more about what can cause an a/c to leak water and what you’ll need to do to fix it.
Where Does the Water Come From?
A/c systems work by sucking warm air in and passing it over an evaporator coil to cool it. This process generates condensation, which can be accelerated even more by the ultra-hot, humid conditions that are common in Florida. In a well-functioning a/c, this moisture falls into the drain pan and exits through a condensate drain line where it can evaporate outside.
Clogs in the Condensate Drain Line or Drain Pan
If either the drain pan or condensate drain line is clogged or dirty, they won’t be able to properly funnel the condensation away from the unit. This can cause water to pool in the drain pan and eventually spill out. Worse, if the water blocks certain a/c components, it can cause the unit to freeze and eventually burn out the a/c motor.
A Clogged or Dirty Air Filter
Since a/cs draw in air from the outside, an air filter is necessary to protect the internal components from damage and avoid circulating particle-heavy air through your home. When your air filter is clogged with debris, it can block the intake of the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze. Once your coils warm back up, the ice will begin to melt causing an excess of water from your unit.
When Replacement May Be Needed
Another relatively common cause of a leaking a/c is low refrigerant. A/cs are closed systems, which means they should maintain a constant pressure. When there’s a refrigerant leak, pressure goes down and can freeze the evaporator coil. Although some leaks are repairable, a/cs that were manufactured more than a decade ago require a type of refrigerant that is quickly being phased out. Without the ability to recharge these units with new refrigerant, replacement will eventually be necessary.
If you need help with your leaking system, A/C Designs has the answer. Our efficient and friendly staff will quickly work to diagnose and solve your a/c issues in a professional manner. Contact our team today to learn more about the services we offer.