A portable air conditioner is great for cooling small spaces where a window air conditioner or a wall-mounted air conditioner cannot be installed. Many portable air conditioners are used in place of permanent units, especially in rented apartment complexes where homeowners cannot drill into walls.
However, they can have problems such as portable air conditioner water leaks and dirty filters that need to be addressed. Problems with portable units should be addressed immediately as portable AC's are difficult to repair.
Understanding Portable AC Unit
A portable AC unit is a compact, movable air conditioner with wheels and a detachable hose that can be easily moved around and set up wherever you need it. Generally, portable ACs work just like other air conditioners. They can cool the air in a room and are usually equipped with a hose that vents warm air out through a window.
8 Causes of a Portable AC Leaking Water
Reason #1 Full Drip Pan
Portable air conditioners have a drip pan or drip tray that catches all the condensate that collects around the unit. This water drainage connects to the drain line and can fill up over time. A full drip pan is easy to fix. Simply unplug the AC unit, and drain out the water that accumulated in the catch tray. This should immediately fix the problem.
However, if the problem persists, you may need to look into other causes for your portable air conditioner leaking water. A full drip tray can also cause other problems, such as weird smells, mold, and bacterial growth in your portable air conditioner.
Also read: AC Drain Pan Replacement: A Complete Guide on Cost
Reason #2 Dirty Air Filter
Even portable air conditioners have air filters that can clog up over time as you continue to use the unit. As airflow becomes restricted, your portable AC will have difficulties getting air to circulate around the unit. When this happens, moisture around your air conditioner would ice up, melt, and cause the water to leak out of your unit.
Cleaning your air conditioner filter can be done at home. Simply run the filter under tap water, and brush out the grime with some soap. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dust for a quick clean.
Reason #3 Clogged Drain Line
Along with a dirty air filter, the drain hose of your air conditioner can be clogged with accumulated dirt, debris, or even mold, causing condensation to back up into your unit, which then causes water leakage. The water cannot travel to the drip pan, and would instead leak through the vents of your portable air conditioner.
To clean the clogged drain hose, unplug the unit and check the drain line. Use a long stick, like a chopstick or a screwdriver, to carefully dislodge the clog. Run water through the line to rinse out the debris, and place the drain hose back into your air conditioning unit. This should immediately fix the problem of the portable AC unit leaking.
Reason #4 Faulty Condensate Pump
The condensate pump is what pushes the accumulated moisture out of the portable AC, so it is an essential part of keeping air conditioners dry and working properly. A faulty pump would keep the moisture in, causing accumulated water to drip out through the unit.
You will need to bring the faulty air conditioner to be checked out by our HVAC technicians to fix the problem. Our technicians are well-versed in diagnosing and fixing problems with portable AC units, so they will be able to find a fix or replacement for your condensate pump.
Reason #5 Loose Drain Plug
A loose drain cap or plug won't hold water in and will start to leak out water from your unit as it cannot sufficiently keep your AC unit watertight. Check your drain cap for any drips, and tighten or fasten the plug as much as you can to keep it from leaking water out of your portable air conditioning units.
Reason #6 Improper Installation
Correct installation is important to prevent your portable AC unit leaking water. For a portable AC unit, it’s important to place the unit on a flat and stable surface. If the unit isn’t positioned in a level way, it won't be able to drain properly causing water to collect inside and eventually leak out when it’s overfilled.
Reason #7 Excessive Humidity
Constantly using a portable air conditioner in a high-humidity room can sometimes cause your portable ac unit leaking water. When the air is extremely humid, the portable AC has to work harder to remove moisture. This can eventually lead to more condensation forming inside the unit. If the AC’s drainage system can't keep up with this extra moisture, water may start leaking from the bottom.
To prevent this issue, you can consider using the dehumidifying mode (if your portable AC unit has this feature.)
Reason #8 Damaged Components
Another usual issue why a portable air conditioner is leaking water can be due to worn or damaged components. Over time, parts like gaskets, seals, or hoses can wear out and compromise the portable AC unit’s ability to contain and drain water properly.
8 Tips to Prevent a Portable Air Conditioner from Leaking Water
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Tip #1 General Cleaning
General cleaning, chemical wash, and aircon chemical overhaul are just some of the cleaning services we offer at Luce. These are meant to upkeep your air conditioner regardless of the unit and model type, so you can keep your appliance in good working condition for a longer time. Schedule a general cleaning once every 4-6 months for a complete clean!
Tip #2 Routine Maintenance
Like general cleaning, routine maintenance is a must for all models and types of air conditioners. Portable air conditioners are more difficult to repair, and not all aircon companies would be able to repair portable units. Routine maintenance, which can be done by our HVAC technicians, will be able to determine weak points in your unit and fix them immediately.
Tip #3 Fix Issues Immediately
Don't dilly-dally when it comes to aircon issues. That water leakage may be a small inconvenience for you now, but as time goes on, it can turn into bigger problems like mold and bacterial growth, water damage, and complete unit shutdown. Fix issues immediately, as our professional aircon technicians can solve your problem quickly and efficiently.
Tip #4 Check for Blockages
Regularly inspect the drainage system and hoses for blockages or kinks that might impede water flow. Cleaning the unit’s filter and drain pans regularly can help prevent any blockage that could lead to leaks.
Tip #5 Regularly Inspecting AC’s Component
Damaged components can be the reason why the air conditioner is leaking water. Regularly inspecting the components will play a critical role in preventing water leakage.
By regularly inspecting these components, you can identify any sign of wear or damage from early on and replace any compromised part with manufacturer-recommended replacement. This can help ensure that the air conditioner can continue to function properly, with all components working together effectively to prevent water leaks.
Tip #6 Utilizing Dehumidifying Mode
Using a dehumidifying mode is a very effective way to prevent portable AC leaks during high humidity temperatures. This mode specifically targets moisture removal from the air without lowering the room’s temperature. By utilizing the dehumidification mode, the AC unit can more efficiently control the amount of water it collects, ensuring that the condensate is processed and drained properly.
Tip #7 Regularly Emptying the Condensation Pan
If your portable AC doesn't have a dehumidifier feature, then during the high humidity temperature it is important to frequently check and empty the internal ventilation pan. Maintaining an empty pan will prevent overflow and subsequent leaks.
Tip #8 Level the Portable AC Unit
Proper leveling of a portable AC is essential, as this simple step can help portable AC units work properly without leaking water. To level the portable AC unit, you can use a level tool to determine whether the AC unit is perfectly level. Avoid placing your portable AC unit on soft or uneven surfaces like carpets, which can shift or compress under the unit. By keeping your portable air conditioner level, you can help reduce the risk of water leakage, which can cause damage to the unit and your surroundings.
Look for Luce
For any air conditioning concerns, Luce has got you covered! We offer purchasing, installation, and maintenance services, so you don't need to worry about your unit's upkeep. Let our technicians guide you through proper air conditioner maintenance, and you'll enjoy that cool breeze longer.
Contact us today with any inquiries, and let us handle that aircon problem!
Check out our article on ac condenser leak!
