A leaking air conditioning unit can be devastating, especially if the leak occurs during the height of summer. Air conditioning units are used all around the world and provide people with relief from soaring temperatures.
A new air conditioning system installation is one of the most significant home improvement projects you can undertake. Millions of people suffer from heat intolerance, and without air conditioning, they would have to be hospitalized. AC units are not simply for our comfort, but they are a preventative measure to stop loved ones from falling sick. AC units are also costly, so we must treat our units as best we can and address any issues as soon as they occur.
This page will tell you what to do to avoid further damage when your air conditioner begins leaking water, and what some common causes of a leaking air conditioning unit are.
Cut the Power
At the first sign of a leak, turn your system off. If you allow it to continue to run, you risk causing further damage to the system and risk making the leak worse. Turn the system off at the mains, as a leaking AC unit can occasionally be an electrical hazard and it may not be safe for you to be touching the machine itself.
Contact a Repairman
A repairman is an absolute necessity in this scenario. Many people stray from phoning them for fear of high prices, but the professionals of Cool Best Aircon say that aircon servicing should be both affordable and professional.
With the aforesaid in mind, you should look through your phonebook for a local serviceman with a good reputation and a low price. This should not be hard to find as, usually, the idea that servicemen are all extortionately priced is a fallacy, and they can be very reasonably priced. Be sure to consider options like Air Conditioning Repair Denver CO and others.
Why is My Unit Leaking?
Your unit may be leaking for a number of reasons. Identifying them could be essential to have them repaired without a repairman having to deconstruct the system altogether. Here are a few reasons your unit may be leaking.
1. Clogged Drain
Clogged drains are the most common source of air conditioning unit leaks globally. The drain becomes blocked up, and when it becomes blocked, water cannot drain out of the overflow pan and through the drainpipe. This can be a huge problem in window-sill air conditioning units that are angled in the wrong direction.
It is important to add, that if water leaks through the front of your unit then it was not installed properly and is an electrical hazard. A clog can be fixed at home by pouring a bleach solution into the drain – if a clog has already happened and you do not want to phone a repairman, a vacuum cleaner can draw the debris inside out.
2. Damaged Overflow Pan
The overflow pan, which is located beneath your AC unit, can become damaged, and if it does become damaged, your AC unit will begin to leak. If you find your AC unit leaking water, try to identify if it is coming from the overflow pan, which if it is, can be fixed with electrical tape.
The best way, however, to fix the overflow pan and to ensure no further leaks occur is to just replace the pan altogether.
3. Dirty Filters
Your air filter should be changed every two months. A dirty filter can cause the air around your coils to become trapped, get too cold, and freeze. This will cause ice to form around the unit, which when it melts, will drip water and produce a leak. You should change your filters, as aforementioned, every two months.
Allowing your filters to become dirty can also mean that dirt is circulating around your home. Many things can block up your filter, from mould to dust, and everything in between. Clean your filters and replace them to ensure that your air quality is as best as can be, and to make sure that your unit does not break.
4. Poor Installation
A leak may simply be caused by poor installation, which if this is the case, cannot be repaired by you. This is why it is important to find the best servicemen that you can and ensure that they are professional and well-reviewed.
Cowboy builders and contractors are a menace and must be stopped. Hire a serviceman to repair this, as if you try to do it yourself, you may compromise the health of your system and end up having to buy a new one.
Now you know what to do if your unit leaks water, and what some causes are (and solutions). Air conditioning units are a gift from above, we must treat them as best we can and ensure they are not allowed to breakdown, otherwise, we risk huge fees and not being comfortable in our own homes.
5. Portable Air Conditioners
If you have a portable air conditioner, leaks can be caused by a number of problems, including;
- Hole in water tank
- Condensation build-up
- Loose or open Drain plug
A drip tray can be placed under the AC unit to collect water and keep your carpet from being damaged. Click here and scroll to slides 9 and 10 for tips on how to deal with portable air conditioner leaks and drainage.