Is your outdoor air conditioner leaking water? A little water is particularly common on extremely hot or humid days. While it may look concerning, a little water is not an emergency.
Some water is normal
If you notice water pooling around your outdoor AC unit, don’t panic. Some water is normal and doesn’t necessarily indicate an issue. Condensation naturally forms on the AC’s coil, causing water to run down the coil and pool at the unit's base. Consequently, some water actually shows that your air conditioner is working correctly! As long as your AC is putting out cool air and otherwise running normally, it’s probably okay.
However, excessive water could point to a problem. If you’re worried about the amount of water pooling around your AC, there are a few potential culprits.
Blocked drain line
Condensation naturally accumulates on the coil during the cooling process. This moisture then runs down the coil and, ideally, reaches the drain line. The drain line does what you would expect- drains the condensate, so it doesn’t pool around the air conditioner. However, dirt, algae, mould, and rust can block the drain line. Thus, the water cannot drain and will collect around your AC.
Damaged condensation pan
The job of the condensate pan is to collect the condensation. However, rust, cracks, and small holes can develop and provide a way for the moisture to escape. This damage can result in water pooling around your outdoor AC. Minor cracks and damage are hard to see with a naked eye, so check the pan with a flashlight. You need to replace severely damaged pans.
Debris build-up
Outdoor air conditioning units are vulnerable to debris build-up. Dust, dirt, leaves, twigs, pollen, and other particles can interfere with the running of your air conditioner. For example, the condenser coil (or outdoor coil) can become blocked because of debris accumulation. Cleaning the back of your air conditioner and removing all debris might help.
Low refrigerant
If your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, the lowered refrigerant levels can cause ice to form on the evaporator coils. Ultimately, this means more water dripping and pooling around your AC.
Call Fagnan's Furnace Service for your AC repairs!
If you're concerned about the water pooling around your outdoor air conditioner unit, a professional inspection is the best way to fix the problem or set your mind at rest. An experienced HVAC specialist will correctly diagnose and repair the issue.
Fagnan's Furnace Service technicians have decades of experience working on all makes and models of air conditioners. They can get your AC back to perfect working order quickly! In addition, we are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and provide top-of-the-line HVAC solutions!
