Today we’re going to talk about a common annoyance that many of us have experienced: a leaky air conditioner. If you’ve ever seen water dripping from your air conditioner, you’ve probably wondered what’s causing it and how you can fix it. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll explain the possible causes behind air conditioning drips and give you some practical solutions to solve the problem. Read on to keep your home cool and dry!

Why is my air conditioner leaking?

First of all, to understand why your air conditioner is leaking, we need to explain the basic operation of an air conditioning system.

A split system air conditioner consists of two units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. Inside the indoor unit is a component called an exchanger, which is a radiator that helps transfer heat or cold between two liquids or between a liquid and the surface of a moving solid. 

Each time the air conditioner is turned on, the exchanger is filled with gas at low pressure which is what allows the air to be cooled. As the gas cools inside the air conditioner exchanger it turns into water due to condensation, and this water drips and collects in a drain pan inside the indoor unit. The water then flows through a pipe that connects the indoor unit to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. It is the water flowing through this pipe that is seen dripping from the air conditioner.

Under normal conditions the water produced by an air conditioner is evacuated correctly without any dripping, but there are some causes that can cause this water dripping that can cause damage to the equipment and the property where it is installed.

Causes of leaking air conditioners

There are several possible causes why an air conditioner may be leaking. We distinguish between minor problems and major problems.

MINOR PROBLEMS

• Dirty filter: If the air conditioner’s filter is dirty, there may be a build-up of moisture that cannot be removed properly. This can cause water to drip from the unit. To fix this, you should clean or replace the air conditioner filter.
•  Clogged drain: Water produced by the air conditioner must drain through a drain pipe. If this pipe is clogged, water can back up and drip from the unit. You can try to unclog the pipe with a long, thin tool, such as a flexible wire.
• Tray problems: The condensate tray is a component that collects the water produced during condensation and directs it to the drain. If the tray is damaged, cracked or not leveled properly, it can cause dripping and cause the indoor unit to drip. The solution is to replace the condensate tray so that the water can drain properly.

SERIOUS PROBLEMS

• Refrigerant leakage: If there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, this can cause ice to build up in the unit. When the ice melts, an excessive amount of water may drip from the unit. This problem requires the assistance of a qualified air conditioning repair technician.
• Evaporator unit problems: The evaporator unit is the part of the air conditioner that cools the air. If there is a problem in this unit, there may be a build-up of moisture dripping from the unit. Again, this problem requires the assistance of an air conditioning repair technician.

How to clean the air conditioning filters?

To clean the air conditioner filters, follow the steps below:

• Turn off the air conditioner: Before you start cleaning the filters, make sure the air conditioner is turned off and disconnected from the power source.
• Remove the filters: The filters are usually located on the front of the air conditioning unit. Carefully remove them and place them on a flat surface.
• Clean the filters: If the filters are not very dirty, you can use a hoover with a brush attachment to remove dust and dirt. If the filters are very dirty, you can soak them in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, then gently scrub them with a soft brush to remove the dirt. Be sure to rinse the filters thoroughly with clean water after washing.
• Let the filters dry: After cleaning the filters, place them on a flat surface and let them dry completely before reinstalling them in the air conditioning unit. Do not reinstall the filters until they are completely dry.
• Reinstall the filters: Once the filters are completely dry, place them back into the air conditioning unit and make sure they are securely in place.

Cleaning the air conditioner filters regularly is important to maintain good indoor air quality and prevent the air conditioner from leaking or performing poorly. It is recommended to clean the filters at least once a month during the season of frequent use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a leaking air conditioner can be caused by several common reasons, such as a dirty air filter, clogged drain, refrigerant leakage, incorrect level or faulty components. The good news is that most of these problems can be easily fixed with regular maintenance and the help of a professional if necessary. By keeping your air conditioner in good condition, you’ll not only prevent annoying leaks, but you’ll also extend the life of the equipment and improve the air quality in your home. Remember, if your air conditioner continues to leak despite your best efforts, seek the help of a professional to solve the problem and enjoy a cool, trouble-free summer.

It is also important to mention that in some cases, a professional may determine that the problem with your air conditioner is serious and cannot be fixed with a simple repair. In that case, you may need to purchase a new air conditioner. If that is the case, we invite you to visit our online shop, where you will find a wide selection of air conditioners from the best manufacturers on the market. In addition, our team of experts will be happy to help you find the right equipment for your needs and budget.