There is more than one thing that can go wrong with your air conditioning system. Wear and tear take their toll over the months, especially when we see heavier heat waves. One of the indicators that you may want to keep an eye out for that will alert you to a problem in your AC unit is the presence of a leak.
A leaking air conditioner is one that requires AC repair in Hulett, WY. The question you may have is what in the world is creating the leak in the first place. We get the curiosity since air conditioners don’t use water to cool your home (unless we are discussing an evaporative cooler, but those don’t leak either!)
Let’s discuss some of the possible causes of a leaking AC so you can feel more assured about making that call for air conditioner repairs.
Cause #1: A Clogged Condensate Line
As your air conditioner cools the air in your home, it is going to create condensation because it is cooling the excess moisture in the air. That moisture collects on the evaporator coil and then drips down into the condensate pan, to be drained away via the condensate drain line.
Over time, the condensate line may become clogged with dust and debris. When the drain line clogs, it stops the collected condensation from leaving the pan. Because the pan is very shallow, it will quickly overflow and lead to a leak in your AC.
Cause #2: A Refrigerant Line Leak
Refrigerant doesn’t get used up the way fuel does. This is the heat transfer medium of your AC and it circulates through a closed-loop cycle. Losing refrigerant means you have a leak. You may notice fluid leaking from the indoor or outdoor unit of your AC. If this is paired with a somewhat sweet smell and a reduction in the cool air produced from your AC, it may mean you have a refrigerant leak.
Cause #3: A Frozen Evaporator Coil
Last but certainly not least, you may have a leak from your air conditioner because it has a frozen evaporator coil. This may sound counterintuitive but bear with us.
When something causes a reduction in the amount of heat your AC can absorb (ie. dirt on the evaporator coil or a reduction in airflow into the system), ice can start to collect on your coil. Eventually, when the system ends its cooling cycle and warms, that ice will begin to melt, overflowing from the condensate pan quickly and creating the appearance of a leak from your air conditioner.
Any fluid leaking or dripping from your air conditioner is going to be cause for concern in most cases. The only fluid you want to see coming from your system is the condensation dripping out of your condensate drain outside of the house. Beyond this, a leaky air conditioner is one that requires assistance from a professional technician.
Schedule your air conditioner repairs with Climate Solutions, Inc. The trusted source for all your heating and cooling needs.