The answer is simple: they produce condensation. When warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, the moisture in the air condenses into water droplets. This is why you see water droplets on a hot day outside a cold glass. Air conditioners work similarly. They cool the air inside your home or office, causing moisture to condense on the cold evaporator coils inside the unit. This condensation drips down into a collection pan or drains, leading it outside.
Now that we understand why air conditioners drip, let’s look at five major reasons why your unit might be dripping and the steps you can take to troubleshoot them:
The most common reason why an air conditioner drips is because of a clogged drain line. The drain line is responsible for draining out the water created when the AC unit cools the air. If the drain line becomes clogged with debris, it can cause water to back up and leak out of the unit. To fix this issue, you must thoroughly clean the drain line. You can do this by pouring hot water and vinegar down the drain line to dissolve buildup.
If your air filter is dirty, it can cause your AC unit to freeze up, leading to water dripping. The air filter is responsible for trapping dust and debris; if it becomes clogged, it can restrict the airflow in your AC unit. This can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, leading to water dripping. To prevent this issue, clean or replace your air filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage.
If your AC unit is located in a basement or other low-lying area, it might have a condensate pump responsible for pumping the water out of the unit. If the pump becomes faulty, it can cause water to back up and leak out of the unit. To fix this issue, turn the power off, then locate and replace the pump. However, we recommend leaving this to the professionals.
If your air conditioning unit is not installed correctly, it can lead to water dripping. If the AC unit is not level, it can cause water to pool and leak out of the unit. Additionally, if the unit is not adequately insulated, it can cause condensation, which can lead to water dripping. If there are any issues with the installation, we will correct them to prevent further problems. If you are in or around Lewisville, TX, get in touch with us, and we will take care of all your AC repair and service needs.
