7 Common Causes of an HVAC Leaking Water
The energy bill for a typical, single-family home reaches $2,060 each year. About 42% of our annual energy use is dedicated to heating and cooling. If you have a leaking HVAC unit, however, your energy bill could rise.
Don’t let problems with your energy unit impact your energy efficiency. If you have an HVAC leaking water, you need to diagnose the cause right away.
Otherwise, your unit will work twice as hard to function, leading to increased energy costs. The unit might even break down, too.
Here are seven potential issues that could cause a leaking HVAC unit. If these problems sound familiar, call for HVAC repair services right away. Read on to discover why your HVAC is leaking water today!
1. Blocked Condensate Drain
As humid air moves over the unit’s evaporator coil, water can begin to appear on the cold, metallic surface. The water will then drain into a pan under the indoor coil, located within the furnace or air handler.
As this process continues, the condensate will flow out of the pan and into the drain pipe, ensuring the pan never gets too full.
Unfortunately, dirt, mold, and debris can clog the drain. When the drain is clogged, the water can’t drain properly.
Consider calling an HVAC repair team. They can unclog the drain to ensure proper water flow. Some teams can even install a safety device that will automatically turn the unit off if the drain becomes clogged in the future, preventing further damage.
Scheduling an annual HVAC maintenance check is also a good idea. A professional team can assess your unit, check for a clogged drain line, and ensure the drain is clear and open, minimizing potential issues down the road.
2. Wrong Temperature
Once temperatures outside start to drop, make sure to adjust your HVAC’s temperature as well. Running your unit while outside temperatures are below 60°F can cause the evaporator coils to freeze.
When frozen coils thaw, water will drop off the coils, leading to potential overflow. Ice could also block the drain pan opening.
If your HVAC is leaking water, call a technician to assess the problem.
3. Disconnected Drain Line
Check the drain line connection if your HVAC is leaking water. Sometimes, the connection to the drain pan can get loose or disconnect entirely, especially after someone works near the unit (e.g., changing an air filter).
If the drain line is not fully connected to the coil drain pan, call your local HVAC repair team. They can reconnect the drain line and check for other issues.
4. Dirty Air Filter
Regularly check and replace your HVAC air filters to ensure proper airflow. Without proper ventilation, the evaporator coils can become too cold, freeze, and cause a leak when they thaw.
Change your air filter more often, especially if you have pets. If the problem persists, contact your local HVAC repair team to check for other potential issues.
5. Low Refrigerant
If your HVAC unit has stopped cooling, low refrigerant levels might be the cause. A leak can lead to decreased refrigerant, causing the evaporator coils to freeze, which can then result in a leak when the coils thaw.
Scheduling annual preventative maintenance can help ensure your refrigerant levels are adequate and push the unit’s lifespan beyond 15 years.
6. Grimy or Damaged Coil
If you notice water around your unit or puddles near the air handler, the evaporator coil might be dirty or damaged. A grimy coil can cause water to drip off rather than move into the pan. Holes in the insulation around the coil can also redirect water.
Consult your local HVAC technician if this issue arises.
7. Broken Pump or Pan
If your HVAC uses a condensate pump to drain water and it’s inoperable, water can back up into the pan and leak out. Check if the pump is still powered. If it’s not the pump, check if the pan is broken, especially if your unit is older than a decade.
If the pan is damaged or corroded, water will seep out. Replacing the drain pan can resolve this issue.
HVAC Leaking Water: Time to Call for Repairs
If your HVAC is leaking water, it’s important to call a professional technician right away. They’ll assess the issue and help ensure your unit is back in working order, allowing you to maintain energy efficiency and keep your energy bill low.
Need help with your HVAC unit? At Anton’s Plumbing, Heating/Cooling & Energy Experts, we’re here for you. Contact us today to get started.
