Warm air coming from your air conditioner? Or is your cooling system leaking water, and emitting a sweet smell? If so, you might have an air condenser coil leak on your hands! Condenser coil leaks happen due to corrosion in the air conditioning system. As the air conditioner coil continues to function, it causes stress on the condenser, causing it to break and eventually leak.
Condenser coil leaks in air conditioners are quite common in older models. Especially if it’s constantly used in Singapore’s humid conditions. These leaks can compromise the cooling efficiency of your unit. Unfortunately, patching up the leak is only a temporary solution. You will need to replace your condenser as it breaks down.
What Is an AC Condenser?
An AC condenser is an essential component of your air conditioning system. It’s the part that helps release the heat absorbed from your indoor space, turning the refrigerant gas back into a liquid. Typically located outside the building, the condenser works in tandem with the evaporator coil inside your home or office to regulate the temperature and maintain a comfortable atmosphere.
AC condensers are designed to last a long time, typically around 10 to 15 years, depending on the quality of the unit, the frequency of maintenance, and usage. In humid climates like Singapore, however, the lifespan can be affected by environmental factors such as the salt in the air near coastal areas, which can cause corrosion. Regular cleaning and professional maintenance can help prolong the life of the condenser.
5 Signs of an AC Condenser Leak
Sign #1 Air Conditioning System Not Cooling Properly
One tell-tale sign of an AC condenser failure is when your AC system blows warm or hot air instead of cool air–this includes any leaks in the AC condenser. The air conditioner will fail to provide enough cooling factor as the coolant leaks out of the condenser.
In this case, you may need to have your entire AC unit assessed by a technician to find out if the problem lies with the condenser of other parts of the unit. Coil damage is only one of the many issues that may cause your air conditioner to blow lukewarm air instead of cool air.
Sign #2 Sweet, Chloroform-like Smell
Refrigerant leaks emit a smell to inform homeowners of a gas leak. Refrigerant leaking out of your AC condenser gives off a sweet, almost chloroform-like smell that will instantly indicate a leak in the system. Your AC unit may flash a warning light to alert you of the problem, but our licensed technicians at Luce Aircon will be able to find and fix the leak for you.
Sign #3 Air Conditioner Overloading
As your air conditioner attempts to function properly without adequate refrigerant levels, it puts stress on the entire system to work. As a result, your air conditioner may overheat and stop working–or worse, start to burn up.
In cases of an overloading air conditioner, shut off the system and unplug it from the power socket immediately. Contact one of our HVAC technicians for a checkup, diagnostic, and repair of your unit to find out what is causing your air conditioner to overheat. Avoid continuous use of an overloaded air conditioner as it may become a fire hazard.
Sign #4 Air Conditioning System Freezing Up
Another sign of a leak in the condenser that we often find amongst our clients in Singapore, is when the AC unit starts freezing up. Freezing up, coupled with warm air coming from your unit, indicates a refrigerant leak in your air conditioner. As the gas escapes your unit, it freezes any condensation on the evaporator coils, causing your unit to freeze up.
Sign #5 Air Conditioner Leaking Water
When your frozen AC starts to melt, it leaks water from the vents. A clogged drain line also causes water to leak out of your unit. Both are attributed to a fault in the condenser coil, specifically a leak. A technician will be able to unclog the drain lines and find the source of the problem for you.
How to Fix a Leaking AC Condenser?
If you've noticed the signs that we’ve mentioned above, there could be an issue that needs addressing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting and fixing a leaking AC condenser!
- Switch Off the Power: The first thing to do is to switch off the AC power at the breaker before attempting to inspect or repair the condenser. This ensures your safety and prevents further damage.
- Clean the Condenser: Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the AC condenser, reducing its efficiency and potentially leading to leaks. Make sure to clean the condenser regularly by gently hosing it down with water to remove any debris. For more stubborn dirt, a soft brush can help clean the coils.
- Inspect for Visible Damage: After cleaning, inspect the condenser for any visible damage, such as bent fins, rust, or cracks. If you notice any physical damage to the condenser coil or surrounding components, this could be a sign of a leak.
- Check the Refrigerant Lines: The refrigerant lines connecting the condenser to the rest of the AC system can sometimes develop leaks, especially if the unit has been in use for a long period. Look for signs of oil around the refrigerant lines or ice buildup on the coils, which may indicate a refrigerant leak.
Important! Handling and replacing refrigerant is a job for trained professionals. If you’ve identified a potential leak or if your AC condenser isn't functioning properly, it's best to call in an expert
3 Tips to Prevent an AC Condenser Leak
Tip #1 Keep the Drain Lines Clear
Keep the drain lines clean and clear to prevent them from clogging. Take a long stick or chopstick to clear the clog, and use a hose to clean out the drain lines. This way, you can reduce the stress on your unit, and slow down the wear and tear of the condenser coil.
Tip #2 Have Your AC Unit Maintained
Having your AC unit maintained by one of our Luce Aircon technicians should be part of your routine in home cleaning. Your air conditioner requires professional cleaning at least once every 4-6 months, and maintenance every 6 months.
Having your unit maintained will increase the lifespan of your air conditioner, and the technician can apply an anti-corrosive coating to protect your condenser from leaks. They will also be able to find weak points in your unit before they turn into bigger problems. Preventative actions are always better than repairing your unit in the future.
Tip #3 Fix the Air Conditioner Condenser
Once your condenser coil leaks, have it repaired or replaced immediately. Continuing to use a faulty condenser will damage your entire cooling system, costing you an entirely new air conditioner later on. Our Luce Aircon technicians will be able to fix the leak for you, or find a new condenser for your unit as needed!
Cool Your Home
Luce Aircon is the leading provider of aircon cleaning and maintenance services in Singapore. Our technicians have decades' worth of experience, and can maintain different models or brands of air conditioners! We'll be able to find the problem and solve it for you as well.
Contact us today with a description of your aircon issue, and we'll schedule a checkup with one of our trusted technicians.
Check out our article on signs of leaking evaporator coil.
