When your air conditioning system starts leaking, it's not just an annoyance-it could be dangerous. A leaking AC unit can cause water damage to your home; if the leak is in the right place, it could cause an electrical fire. The best way to avoid these dangers is to keep your AC unit well-maintained and to call a professional technician for AC repair Murphy, MO at the first sign of a leak.
What Makes Leaks Dangerous?
Water damage is one of the most common dangers of a leaking AC unit. If the unit leaks water onto the floor, it could seep under carpeting or damage other flooring material. The water could also leak into walls and cause mold or mildew to grow. In extreme cases, a leaking AC unit could even cause the ceiling to collapse. An electrical fire is another potential danger of a leaking AC unit. If the unit is leaking water onto an electrical socket or wiring, it could create a short circuit and start a fire. Even if the unit isn't leaking water, a faulty wire could cause a fire.
In this blog, we'll talk about the causes of leaking from your air conditioning system, what to do about it, and how to prevent it from happening again. These helpful tips will keep your AC unit in good shape and prevent future accidents.
What Causes an AC Unit to Leak?
Discovering that your AC unit leaks can be pretty worrying, but don't panic! In most cases, a leaking AC unit is due to condensation. When the air conditioner runs, it draws in warm air and cools it down. This process causes water vapor to condense on the coils of the unit. The condensation then drips into a pan and is drained away. However, sometimes the condensation can build up faster than it can be drained away. This can cause the unit to leak water onto the floor or into the walls.
Here are other reasons why your AC unit might be leaking:
1. The Drainage System Is Clogged
If the pan underneath your AC unit is full of water, it could be because the drainage system is clogged. You should first empty the pan and check for any blockages in the drain line. You'll need to call a professional if you can't clear the blockage yourself. They'll be able to use a unique tool to clear the line and stop the leak.
2. The AC Unit Is Frozen
Frozen coils are another common cause of leaks. When the coils get too cold, they can cause the condensation to freeze. This can create a blockage that prevents the water from draining away properly. You'll need to turn off the AC unit and let it thaw out before you can use it again.
3. The Unit Is Overworked
An AC unit that's overworked will also start to leak. If the unit is turned on for too long, the coils can get too cold and cause the condensation to freeze. The unit will also build up more condensation than usual. This can lead to a clogged drainage system and eventually, a leak.
4. There's a Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant leak is a more serious problem that will need AC repair Murphy, MO. If your AC unit is leaking Freon, it's probably because there's a hole in the coils. The refrigerant can also leak if the unit isn't properly charged. Either way, you'll need to call an expert for AC repair Murphy, MO. You shouldn't try to fix it yourself as you could end up doing more damage.
5. The AC Unit Is Old
An old AC unit is more likely to leak than a newer one. The seals and gaskets in the unit can deteriorate over time, which can cause leaks. If your AC unit is over ten years old, it's probably time for a replacement. It's better to replace the unit before it starts leaking and causing damage to your home.
What to Do About a Leaking AC Unit
A faulty air conditioning system can be a nightmare, especially if it starts leaking water. However, there are some things you can do to fix the problem. Here are a few tips on what to do about a leaking AC unit:
1. Check the Drainage System
The first thing you should do is check the drainage system. The drainage system can get clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris. This can cause the unit to leak water onto the floor or into the walls. You should empty the pan and check for any blockages in the drain line. You can use a brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove the debris. You'll need to call a professional if you can't clear the blockage yourself.
2. Thaw the coils
If the coils are frozen, you'll need to turn off the AC unit and let it thaw out. You can use a hair dryer to speed up the process. Some AC units have a built-in thawing system that automatically turns on when the coils start to freeze. However, you'll still need to call a professional to fix the problem. Your AC unit shouldn't be freezing up in the first place.
3. Check for leaks
Leaks are never a good sign. You should check for leaks around the unit. The most common place for leaks is around the seals and gaskets. These can deteriorate over time, which can cause the unit to leak water. In some cases, you can replace the seals and gaskets. However, it's usually best to call a professional. They'll be able to diagnose the problem and fix it properly.
4. Look for cracks
If your AC unit is leaking water, it could be because of cracks in the unit. Cracks can occur due to normal wear and tear. However, they can also be caused by improper installation. You should call a professional to fix the problem if you see any cracks. These cracks can cause severe damage to your home if they're not fixed promptly. It's also important to note that some cracks can be hidden. So, if you suspect there's a problem, it's best to call a professional.
5. Consider replacement
Is your air conditioning system too old? If your AC unit is over ten years old, it might be time for a replacement. Older units are more likely to have problems, including leaks. Call a professional to find out if your AC unit needs to be replaced. They can help you choose the right unit for your home and budget.
These are just a few tips on what to do about a leaking AC unit. If you're having problems with your AC unit, it's best to call a professional. They can help you diagnose the problem and provide AC repair Murphy, MO.
How to Prevent the Leakage of an AC Unit
Leaks in an AC unit can be caused by a number of factors, including age, poor maintenance, and damage. However, there are some things you can do to prevent the leaking of your AC unit. Here are a few tips on how to prevent the leakage of an AC unit:
1. Check the unit regularly
Your unit needs to be checked regularly for any potential problems. You should check the unit for cracks, leaks, and other damage. If you see any problems, you should call a professional to fix the issue. The issue might be minor and easy to fix. However, it could also be a major problem that needs to be fixed by a professional.
2. Change the filters
You should change the filters in your AC unit every few months. Why? The filters can get clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris. This can cause the unit to leak water. By changing the filters regularly, you can prevent this from happening. It also allows the unit to run more efficiently. You can buy replacement filters at your local hardware store.
3. Clean the unit
You should clean your AC unit regularly. This will help to prevent the build-up of dirt, dust, and other debris. You can use a brush or a vacuum cleaner to clean the unit. You should also clean the coils. You can use a brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove the debris. You'll need to call a professional if you can't clear the coils on your own.
4. Inspect the unit
Inspection is key to preventing leaks. You should inspect the unit for any potential problems. This includes cracks, leaks, and other damage. If you see any problems, you should call a professional to fix the issue. HVAC experts have a way of finding hidden damage. So, it's best to let them handle the inspection and AC repair Murphy, MO.
5. Consider replacement
It's a different story if your unit is old. Older units are more likely to have problems, including leaks. If your unit is over ten years old, it might be time for a replacement. Call a professional to find out if your unit needs to be replaced. They can help you choose the suitable unit for your home and budget.
These are just a few tips on preventing your AC unit's leakage. If you're having problems with your AC unit, it's best to call a professional. They can help you diagnose the problem and fix it properly.
Let Environmental Heating and Cooling Handle Your AC Repair Murphy, MO
At Environmental Heating and Cooling, we're your AC repair Murphy, MO experts. We've been servicing AC units for many years. We know how to diagnose and fix appropriately. So, if you're having problems with your AC unit, we can help. Contact us today at (314) 280-5893 to schedule an appointment!