You may be wondering why water is dripping from my AC, and if there's anything you can do to stop this nuisance, but did you know your AC leaking water is a sign of an underlying problem with your air conditioner? Here are 5 causes of water leaking out of the AC, and how you can fix them.
5 Causes of AC Vent Leaking Water
Reason #1 Dirty Air Filter
The air filter is one of the simplest parts to clean, yet is often overlooked by homeowners as the condition of the filter is hidden behind the housing of your AC unit. However, dirty air filters actually cause a plethora of problems with the air conditioning system, and leaking water is one of them.
The air filter does not leak water directly, but it insulates and clogs other parts in the unit, making the AC unit freeze up, and drip water from the vents. If your AC vent is leaking water, and you haven't cleaned your filter in a while, chances are you've got a dirty air filter.
Reason #2 Frozen Evaporator Coil
Along with a dirty AC filter is a frozen evaporator coil, which happens when the air around the AC unit cannot properly pass through, and the refrigerant cools down moisture accumulated around the evaporator coils instead. As the moisture freezes and melts, it drips water from the AC ducts. A blocked AC vent can also cause evaporator coils to freeze.
A dirty evaporator coil can also be the culprit, as the dust around the coils accumulate condensation, which cools down and drips from the air ducts. This causes water dripping from your air vents to pool around your room, and would eventually lead your AC unit breaking down entirely.
Reason #3 Clogged Condensate Drain Line
A clogged drain line is another common reason for an AC vent leaking water. The condensate drain line is responsible for driving the condensate out of your unit, and once clogged, the moisture backs up into your unit and finds another exit: the air vents.
A clogged condensate drain line is relatively simple to fix, and you can do without calling for professional services. However, if you are unsure on how to go about cleaning the drain lines, our HVAC professional technicians at Luce will be more than happy to clean your unit for you!
Reason #4 Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant leaks are common with older AC units, as the coolant lines have worn down over time. When refrigerant leaks, it supercools the surrounding moisture in the air, causing condensation to form and drip out of the air vent of your air conditioner.
A refrigerant leak is not something that can be remedied at home, and will require AC service Singapore to fix. Our Luce technicians are experienced and trained in diagnosing, finding, and fixing refrigerant leaks, so you can trust your air conditioner will work well after repairs!
Reason #5 Overflowing Drip Pan
An overflowing drip pan can be another cause of water dripping from the air vent, but the solution is relatively easy. Simply drain out the drip pan! You should be draining the drip pan of your air conditioner every now and then to prevent water from accumulating, as the stagnant water can host pests, mosquito larvae, bacteria, mold, and fungi which can be hazardous.
Another possibility why your air conditioner is leaking water is that your AC is tilted downwards towards your room. This is most common with window-type units, and will cause collected condensate to dribble through the vents indoors instead of outdoors.
3 Tips to Prevent Water Dripping from AC Vent
Tip #1 Clean Your Air Conditioning System Regularly
Always have your air conditioning unit cleaned at least once every 4 to 6 months by a professional HVAC technician. This will prevent any issues stemming from a filthy air conditioner, as well as any damages to your unit caused by debris. This will also maintain the good condition of your unit, contributing to its durability.
At home, you can wash your AC filter under running water, and use compressed air to blow the dust away from your evaporator coils. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dust, or use a long stick to dislodge the debris clogging your condensate lines.
Tip #2 Avoid Overworking Your Air Conditioner
Avoid overworking your air conditioner to keep it from freezing up, and dripping water. This includes using your air conditioner during cold seasons where condensate can naturally freeze, or using your air conditioner for extended periods of time without allowing the unit to cool down or get cleaned.
Tip #3 Keep Air Ducts Free from Obstruction
Keep both indoor and outdoor air vents free from any obstruction. There should be at least two or three feet of distance between the vents and the nearest wall for optimal cooling. This clearance distance will allow ample air circulation to flow through the unit, and prevent any obstruction-related issues with your aircon.
Cleaning Your Aircon - The Easy Way
Luce offers the best aircon servicing, and we pride ourselves in bringing top-quality services to all our clients! We clean, maintain, and repair any aircon model across different brands, so you can be assured we'll get your unit up and running like new.
