Is water dripping from ac dangerous? Your air conditioner turns on, and suddenly water starts dripping out of it. While this is certainly unfavorable, it shouldn’t pose any immediate threats unless there’s a refrigerant leak present.
Regular maintenance from professional can ensure that your drain lines and drip pan are clear from obstruction, helping you avoid costly repair bills as well as possible mold growth.
Clogged Drainage
Clogged drain lines are one of the main culprits behind air conditioner water dripping from an AC unit. As your air conditioner removes humidity from indoor air, moisture condenses in a pan before being drained off through its drain line – however if this becomes blocked by dust or other debris it can block this flow and lead to condensation building up inside your system, which causes leakage of condensation into your home and/or system.
Professional HVAC technicians can help unblock your clogged drain line quickly. They’ll locate its access point (an open section that points upward and is covered with a cap), remove obstructions, flush with clean water to flush away algae and debris build-up, and install safety devices which will automatically shut off if the line becomes clogged again – keeping your home protected from further flooding damage.
If you plan to attempt clearing your own AC drain line, first disconnect power from your unit at the breaker box and gather tools including buckets or pans for collecting any drain-line fluid, wire brushes or pipe cleaners and cleaning solutions such as bleach or vinegar to unclog it.
Broken Pipe Cover
Your air conditioner generates condensation that collects in a drip pan connected to a PVC pipe that drains outside. If this line becomes disconnected or blocked with algae, dirt, sludge bugs or any other form of debris, the drip pan may overflow causing water to pool beneath your AC and cause flooding problems.
This type of leak typically does not compromise the structural integrity of your home, yet still needs to be fixed immediately. Dripping water can damage sheetrock, carpeting and furnishings. Furthermore, moisture soaked into insulation may become damp enough for mold growth in damp spots; mold exposure can have adverse health impacts for those with severe allergies or respiratory conditions.
To solve the problem, first switch off your air conditioner at both its thermostat and circuit breaker panel. Locate and uncap the drain line near the unit outside, using pliers or screwdriver to dislodge any obstructions; alternatively use a wet/dry vacuum to suction up both debris and water that has leaked from its pipe system.
Dirty Air Filters
Although it can be alarming to witness water pooling beneath your air conditioner, it’s often not harmful and indicates minor problems with maintenance of air filters. More likely than not, dirty filters are likely to be at fault and need regular changing if they become dirty again.
Change your air filter frequently for optimal cooling efficiency and to prevent contamination spreading throughout your home, like pet dander and dust accumulating on carpeting or surfaces, that make breathing difficult. A clogged or dirty filter is one of the main culprits behind less efficient air conditioner operation – restricting airflow through your system, leading to decreased indoor temperatures. In addition, dirty filters can spread contaminants like pollen into the atmosphere which make breathing difficult.
Mold can quickly take root in an AC unit that leaks, leading to respiratory problems for those suffering from allergies and asthma. Condensation from your unit creates the perfect conditions for mold growth – spreading its way throughout your air conditioning system and ductwork as it goes.
Checking and maintaining the drain line is also key in keeping your AC running optimally. A clogged or disconnected drain can cause your unit to leak water, making the whole experience more frustrating. Easily inspect it by opening your access panel and looking for your unit’s drain pan beneath. Once located, drain any standing water out and straighten any kinks in its path.
Low Refrigerant
Air conditioning systems feature a drip pan that collects condensation for external disposal. Over time, however, this drain may become blocked with dirt, dust and fungus particles; this prevents moisture from flowing freely and could result in your A/C unit leaking water inside.
If water is dripping from your AC vents, check your air filter and call an HVAC company immediately if necessary. They can replace any dirty filters with new ones which will enable condensation to move freely again.
Avoid refrigerant line leaks: They indicate improper usage of refrigerant, leading to costly repairs in the future. If there’s a leak, that means it is not being used effectively and should be addressed as soon as possible – sooner is better!
Low refrigerant levels cause heat transference between your evaporator coil and compressor to take longer, leading to an increase in energy bills as a result of this issue. If this appears to be your problem, testing for leaks with some soap and water in the suspected area of leakage should reveal whether there are bubbles – this indicates there may be refrigerant leakage that needs fixing immediately.
