If you notice water dripping or pooling around your HVAC system, you may be wondering what is causing the leak and how to fix it. In addition to causing damage to your walls, flooring, and furniture, a leaky HVAC system can lower the effectiveness and performance of your heating and cooling system. Therefore, if you notice any leaks or collections of water near your HVAC system, you should schedule repairs as soon as possible. These are some reasons why your HVAC system may leak water.
1. Low Levels of Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a substance that absorbs heat from the air and transfers it to the outdoor unit, where it is released. If the refrigerant level is too low, the system’s pressure decreases and the evaporator coil becomes overly cold.
As a result, the coil freezes and forms ice, which melts and drips water when the system is switched off. Calling a qualified HVAC specialist to check the refrigerant level and refill it as necessary is the first step in solving this issue.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil cools the air by circulating it across a series of metal fins. If the airflow over the coil is restricted or blocked, the coil can get too cold and freeze. This may occur due to an unclean air filter, clogged ducts, or a broken fan. When the ice on the coil melts, it can overflow the drain pan and leak water
A professional technician should routinely clean or replace your air filter, empty the ducts of any debris, inspect the fan for problems, and set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature in order to stop this from happening.
3. Detached Drain Pipe
Another potential source of a water leak in an HVAC system is a detached drain line. The drain line is the pipe that transports extra water from the evaporator coil to the drain or outside. Water leaks from the system may occur if the drain pipe is broken, loose, or unplugged.
This can happen due to vibrations, corrosion, or improper installation. To fix this problem, call us to reconnect or replace the drain line and make sure it is securely attached to the system.
4. Malfunctioning Condensate Pump
Water leaks from your HVAC system might also be caused by a defective condensate pump. A condensate pump a device that moves water from the drain pan to the outside or the drain. If the pump is broken, clogged, or not receiving power, it can fail to remove the water from the pan and cause it to overflow.
To fix this issue, have an experienced HVAC specialist inspect the pump for any indications of wear and tear, obstructions, or electrical problems, and replace it if needed.
5. Broken Drain Pan
The drain pan is a tray that collects the water from the evaporator coil and directs it to the drain line or the condensate pump. The pan may leak water from the system if it is deformed, corroded, or fractured. This may occur as a result of ageing, wear and tear, or poor quality. To fix this problem, you need to replace the drain pan with a new one that fits your system.
6. Dirty Air Filter
Prior to the air entering the system, the air filter cleans the air of dust, debris, pollen, and other impurities. A filthy filter may hinder airflow across the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze. This can lead to water leakage when the ice melts. To avoid this, hire a professional to clean or replace your air filter once a month, or as advised by the manufacturer.
7. Damaged Insulation
Insulation is a material that is placed over the evaporator coil, drain line, and refrigerant lines to stop heat loss and condensation. If the insulation is torn, wet, or missing, it can cause the refrigerant lines to sweat and drip water. It can also cause the drain line to freeze and burst.
Our Experts
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable heater service in Richardson, Plano, Allen, and the surrounding areas, contact us at Cool Experts AC today. We have the experience and expertise to handle any heater issue, from installation to furnace repair to replacement. We also offer other services such as duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, attic insulation, and more.