Many homeowners get surprised when they see water leaking from their air conditioner, and it is not always obvious why it happens. Are you currently dealing with this problem? Looking for some information on how to proceed? This AC maintenance company in Clarendon Hills, Illinois is going to explain below.

Let’s start with how your AC handles the moisture in your air.

When your AC runs, warm air from your home passes over a cold indoor coil. This cools the air, and moisture turns into water droplets on the coil. The water then drips into a small drain pan. From there, it should flow out of your home through a narrow drain line.

When everything works as it should, this whole process happens quietly. But if something interrupts this flow (for example, if water can’t move through the drain line properly), water can build up. That is when leaks start.

When the drain line is blocked, your AC has nowhere to send the water.

One of the most common reasons air conditioners leak water is because of a clogged condensate drain line. Over time, dust, dirt, mold, and even algae can block this small pipe. When that happens, the water the AC collects has nowhere to go. It starts backing up and can overflow around the unit.

The first signs of this problem can include water damage near your AC, a musty smell coming from your vents, or your AC shutting off by itself. The shutoff usually happens when a safety sensor is triggered to prevent more serious damage.

Because this problem is so common, any experienced AC maintenance company in Clarendon Hills, Illinois will recommend checking and cleaning the drain line regularly. A clear line can prevent water damage and keep your system running smoothly.

Frozen coils can cause leaks when ice starts to melt.

Another reason for AC leaks is ice building up on the coils. This happens when airflow through your AC is blocked. A dirty air filter or closed vents can slow the airflow and cause the coils to get too cold and freeze. Low refrigerant levels can also cause this.

When the system cycles off, and the ice melts, too much water can flow into the drain pan all at once. The pan can’t hold it all, so water spills and leaks.

If you notice weak airflow, reduced cooling, or hear hissing sounds from your AC, frozen coils can be the problem. If this happens, turn off your AC immediately and let the ice melt. After that, call a professional AC maintenance company. They can diagnose why the ice formed and fix the problem before it creates more trouble.

Refrigerant problems can be the reason your AC is leaking.

Low refrigerant levels might not seem like they would cause a water leak, but they can. When the refrigerant level drops, the coils can freeze. And when the ice melts, there can be too much water for the system to handle.

If your AC struggles to cool your home or runs longer than usual (especially if you also see water leaks), you should reach out to an AC maintenance company in Clarendon Hills, Illinois. They can check for refrigerant problems and take care of them before your system suffers long-term damage.

Looking for an AC Maintenance Company in Clarendon Hills, Illinois?

Do you want to stop AC water leaks before they turn into costly damage? As the top-rated AC maintenance company in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, Hearthstone Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Our HVAC technicians will carefully inspect your system and fix small problems early to keep your AC running reliably all season. Contact us at (630) 435-9800 to book a service visit.