How You Should Handle a Dripping AC Inside Your Home

A dripping AC can be a source of damage in your home. A central air conditioner naturally produces condensation as it cools the air. In fact, a typical central unit may generate as much as 20 gallons of condensate per day in hot, humid weather. A dripping air conditioner may result from problems in the air conditioner’s condensation drainage. Another potential leakage issue can result from ice formation on the AC evaporator coil. Here are two scenarios that might result in a dripping AC.  

Overflowing Drain Pan

• How it works. Below the evaporator coil inside the AC's indoor air handler, a drain pan collects condensation generated when the system airflow passes through the evaporator. The pan connects to a condensate drain tube that carries water into the household drain system.  

• What goes wrong. Algae or mold growth inside the drain pan may block the drain tube. As the air conditioner continues to generate condensation, the pan repeatedly overflows, and water damage occurs to flooring or walls inside the home.  

• Now what? Service by a certified HVAC technician includes an inspection of condensate drainage components. If the drain line is clogged by mold or algae, the line is opened. The pan is cleaned and fungicide pills are placed in the pan to prevent recurrence. If the leakage from a dripping AC is due to a crack in the pan, a new pan will be installed.

Coil Icing

• How it works. The cold evaporator coil condenses humidity from system airflow passing through the coil. Dry airflow cools more effectively and efficiently.

• What goes wrong. If the AC refrigerant charge is low, the evaporator-coil temperature drops into the freezing range. Condensation turns into layers of ice that extends beyond the drip pan below. Each time the system cycles off, ice melts, and water dripping from the coil may damage the surrounding structure.

• Now what? An HVAC technician can track down the source of low refrigerant (usually a leak), make the repair, and then restore the refrigerant charge to the proper level.  

For more information about how to handle a dripping AC, contact the cooling pros at Air Assurance.

What to Do If You Have a Dripping AC This Summer

Do Not Display

A dripping AC need not be a part of your summer cooling experience. Yes, the evaporator coil in a residential central air conditioner condenses as much as 25 gallons of water out of the air every day as part of the cooling process. However, in a properly functioning unit, every drop is collected and then properly drained away.

Except when it isn’t. A dripping AC can inflict water damage on a house before it’s even noted by residents. Continuous moisture from air-conditioner leaks can also spawn the growth of toxic mold and mildew. Here are some basic facts about how a dripping AC happens.

Cracks in the drain pan. Located beneath the indoor air handler, the drain pan catches condensation generated by the evaporator coil. Many drain pans are plastic and may crack and leak after years of use. Replacing the AC condensate drain pan isn’t out of the range of a determined do-it-yourselfer. Alternatively, your HVAC contractor can handle the task for you.

Pan overflows. A drain line connected to the drain pan conveys the water into the house drain system. Clogs in the drain line can result from mold growth or other fungus inside the drain pan. Overflow and water damage occur quickly if the drain line is obstructed. Annual AC preventative maintenance typically includes checking the condensate drain flow and cleaning the drain pan when necessary. In addition, biocide tablets placed in the pan help prevent mold growth.

Coil issues. This is another source of potential water damage. Insufficient refrigerant charge or low airflow due to an obstructed air filter may cause the evaporator coil temperature to drop below freezing. Condensation turns to ice that often extends outside the limits of the drain pan. Every time the system cycles off, the ice melts and forms, enlarging puddles on the floor. Monthly air-filter changes, plus professional service to detect and repair refrigerant leaks, help keep the immediate area dry.

For more information about preventing and/or repairing dripping AC issues in Broken Arrow, contact the HVAC professionals at Air Assurance.