Anytime you see any leaking water emitting from the air-conditioning unit, you should never assume that it is operating properly. Many times, the leaking water from the HVAC system will indicate that some component inside the air conditioner has become broken, or is malfunctioning. The easiest way to avoid any potential repair bill is to take action once the problem has been discovered.
Leaking Condensation
Many times on scalding hot days the home’s air-conditioning unit will run on a continuous basis as a way to maintain a comfortable level of air temperature inside the house. This type of leaking is normal, and is a product of too much condensation being generated on the evaporator coil. One process of the evaporator coil is to automatically dehumidify all the air from the interior of the home. As the humidity is withdrawn, dryer cooler temperature air is pumped into the home.
Usually all of the condensation that has been removed from the air through the evaporator coil will automatically dispense through the drain line into the drain pan. However, on very hot days there is likely too much condensation being removed at one time, causing an overflow in the drain pan. In the event that the condition continues to recur, it is likely a good idea to call an experienced A/C repair professional.
Air Flow Restriction
The filters of the air-conditioning unit can quickly become clogged with debris, dust and other particles that are pulled from the home’s interior air. With too much buildup of dust and debris, the evaporator coil inside the air handler can quickly form layers of frozen condensation (ice). Almost as quickly, the buildup of water will automatically spill over the edges of the condensation pan and run out of the A/C unit. The filter must be changed regularly, and even more often, when there are high levels of dust inside the home.
Deteriorating Insulation
In older homes, deteriorating insulation is often a problem that can cause water dripping from the A/C unit. Condensation typically builds up on the copper pipes that run a refrigerant from the outside compressor to the air handler inside the home, and back to the exterior condenser. A buildup of condensation can easily occur at any point that has deteriorating insulation.
No matter what problem is causing water to drip from the air conditioning unit, it usually requires the skills of a licensed HVAC repairman. With routine A/C maintenance, many homes can avoid the problem.
