Seeing water around your HVAC system can be alarming, but if it’s the summer season and your furnace isn’t running, the issue is likely coming from your air conditioner. Your AC system works by absorbing heat and moisture from your home’s air, and the evaporator coil plays a crucial role in this process. The evaporator coil cools the warm air passing over it, causing condensation to form. Normally, this moisture drains away through the condensate drain line, but when something goes wrong, it can result in leaks inside your home.
Common Reasons Your Air Conditioner Leaks Water Inside
- Frozen Evaporator Coil
When the evaporator coil gets too cold, it can freeze over. Once it begins to thaw, the excess water may overflow the drain pan and leak inside. A frozen coil is often caused by restricted airflow due to a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, or a malfunctioning blower motor.
- Dirty Air Filter
A clogged air filter restricts airflow, which can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. When the ice melts, it may overwhelm the drain pan and lead to water leakage. Checking and replacing your air filter regularly can help prevent this issue.
READ MORE: How Often to Change Filter
- Clogged Condensate Drain Line
Over time, the drain line can become clogged with dust, dirt, mold, or algae, preventing proper drainage. When this happens, water backs up and may spill over, causing indoor leaks. Flushing the condensate line with a vinegar solution or calling for professional cleaning can help clear the blockage.
- Low Refrigerant Levels
If your AC is low on refrigerant, it can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. As the coil thaws, water may drip inside. Low refrigerant levels usually indicate a leak in the system, which requires professional attention to diagnose and repair. If the problem is a leak and you have an older system, it may not be worth the diagnostic costs to try to find the leak as it is not always full proof. There often times can be multiple leaks and sealing the leak is not a permanent fix. Some homeowners opt to recharge the system with refrigerant instead of finding and fixing the leak, but this is only a temporary fix and can be costly over time.
READ MORE: 2025 Refrigerant Changes
The Importance of AC Maintenance
Routine air conditioner maintenance can catch these issues before they turn into costly repairs. During a maintenance visit, an HVAC technician will inspect the evaporator coil, check refrigerant levels, inspect the condensate drain line, and replace filters if you have them available. Preventative maintenance helps ensure your system runs efficiently, reducing the chances of leaks and other breakdowns.
Call Quality Comfort for AC Repair
If you’re in the Cincinnati area and need professional HVAC assistance, Quality Comfort Home Services is here to help. Contact us today to schedule air conditioning repair.
