The average high in the Jonesboro, AR area in the summer is in the 70s, but temps can easily surpass 100 degrees at times, especially in July and August. So, it’s safe to assume you don’t want to be surprised by an AC that’s suddenly leaking when you need to run your cooling system. Below, we discuss five of the more common reasons why an AC unit may be leaking water.
1. Clogged Drain Line
When a drain line is blocked or clogged, water isn’t able to get to the overflow pan and exit via the drainpipe – or directly outside with certain types of ACs. With a window unit, this problem can occur if it’s tilted incorrectly. Many newer cooling systems automatically shut down when a drain line leak is detected. If this happens to you, give us a call for AC repair to determine if it’s the drain line since your unit may shut off automatically for other reasons, too.
2. Cracked Drain Overflow Pan
Found just below the indoor evaporator coils, the drain overflow pan catches any condensate that develops as warm air goes over the coils. A water leak occurs if this pan is cracked or damaged in some way. If a crack is small, epoxy can be used to fix it. Otherwise, it’s typically better to replace a cracked drain overflow pan.
3. Dirty Filter
If the filter that’s in your AC unit is clogged or dirty, airflow is blocked or severely impeded. When this happens, air going around the evaporator coils can get cold enough to cause frost to form. Should this happen, the resulting ice melts and causes water to drip or leak. Get into the habit of changing your filter at least every two to three months, or opt for one that can be conveniently cleaned.
4. Improperly Installed AC Unit
With a central air conditioning unit, leaks sometimes develop due to improper installation. If, for example, the unit isn’t level, water from the overflow pan may drip out rather than go where it’s supposed to go. With a window AC, water can flow the wrong way and leak if it’s too flat in the window. Usually, it’s possible to correct these installation issues by making some adjustments.
5. Broken Pump
The pump in a cooling system is designed to draw water out of the overflow pan. If this pump is broken, water will spill over once the pan fills up as your AC runs. A simple way to test to see if this is the problem is to pour some water into the overflow pan. If it doesn’t go anywhere, then it’s time to give us a call about the pump.
Get the Reliable AC Help You Need Today
If you’re already noticing water leaking from your Jonesboro, AR air conditioner and you can’t figure out why, Elite is here to help. We also offer HVAC maintenance contract options that include routine inspections and system checks. This is a cost-effective way to detect water leaks or any other issues before your AC or your indoor comfort is significantly affected.
Contact our experienced team today for prompt, reliable HVAC service.