Here are the Biggest Reasons Why Air Conditioners Leak

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about air conditioning. We all know how important air conditioners can be during those hot summer months, but they can also be a bit of a headache when they start to leak. At UNGERMAN, we get a lot of calls from customers each summer who are dealing with water damage caused by their air conditioning units. If you see puddles near your air conditioner, don’t worry – you’re not alone!

In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most common reasons why air conditioning leaks happen and how UNGERMAN can help you out. So, take a deep breath and relax – we’ve got you covered.

Concerning Signs of An Air Conditioner Leak 

When your air conditioner unit begins to leak water, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent any potential damage to your home. You can identify a leak by looking out for tell-tale signs such as:

• Water stains on your walls or ceiling near the unit
• Noticeable musty odors
• Puddles of water around the unit
• Formation of ice or frost on the unit

If you spot any of these signs, it’s important to take action immediately to prevent further harm to your property. Remember, the longer you wait, the more severe the damage your air conditioner can potentially cause.

Top 5 Causes of Air Conditioner Leaks

Now that you’ve got a better sense of the common signs associated with air conditioner leaks let’s examine the top causes of air conditioning leaks in Minnesota.

1. Broken Seals

One of the top reasons that air conditioners leak is their seals being broken. This seal, which keeps water and air from leaking out of your AC unit, is crucial to its makeup. When it is broken, air and water leak out, causing damage to your home. When an air conditioner with a broken seal is left unattended, it can cause extensive water damage to an office, home, or property.

2. Drain Pipe Clogs

If there’s one thing that AC units do better than keeping your space cool, it’s producing condensation. Of course, when an air conditioner has been on for some time, it will produce more and more condensation. All of that condensation needs a place to go – and that’s where your drainage pipe comes into play. However, when your drainage pipe is clogged, the water and condensation have nowhere to go except out of the unit itself via a leak. If you believe your AC unit’s drainage pipe is clogged, be sure to clear it ASAP, or you could be looking at serious water damage.

3. Loose Drain Pans

If your air conditioner’s drain pan isn’t secured properly, it could lead to leakage. The drain pan collects the water produced by the air conditioner, so if it’s loose, it won’t work as intended.

4. Broken Air Handlers 

Within your AC unit is a mechanism that causes air to circulate around the unit in a uniform manner. When your air handler breaks, however, leakage is a common occurrence.

5. Frozen Coils

Did you know that your AC unit has a special coil that holds chilled refrigerant and cools down the air in your home? Unfortunately, these coils can freeze over, causing your AC unit to malfunction or even leak water.

How Do You Prevent Air Conditioning Leaks? 

Now you know the top reasons why most air conditioners leak – but what can you do to prevent leaks and water from damaging your home? Keep these handy tips and tricks in mind.

1. Keep Your Unit Maintained

If you’re concerned about your air conditioner leaking, the best way to prevent it from happening (and also gain peace of mind) is to schedule maintenance for your AC unit regularly. An AC maintenance expert has the tools and training to clean your unit and identify any issues before they become serious problems that lead to leaks.

2. Replace Your AC Unit’s Filter

Just like the air filter on your car, the filter in your air conditioner needs to be replaced, too. Your filter removes dirt and dust from the air, which can clog your unit and cause leaks.

3. Clean the Unit Itself

While you’re changing the air filter for your AC unit, why not go ahead and clean the unit itself? Dirt and debris get trapped in your unit often. Cleaning it regularly will help prevent leaks from happening.

What Should You Do if Your Air Conditioner Causes a Leak?

Air conditioner leaks can lead to water damage in your home. If you notice water damage caused by your air conditioner, it’s best to seek professional help for restoration. Neglecting air conditioner leaks can result in severe issues like mold and mildew growth, which can even lead to structural damage. Therefore, it’s crucial to address air conditioner leaks right away by calling a water damage remediation expert in Plymouth, MN.  

How UNGERMAN Can Help

If you happen to experience water damage due to a leaking air conditioner, it’s important to take preventative measures to avoid future issues. However, if you do find yourself in this situation, UNGERMAN is available to assist you. Our company specializes in water damage restoration and provides emergency services 24/7. Our team of remediation professionals, who are IICRC-certified, possess the knowledge and experience necessary to restore your property to its original state. To get help from experienced water damage professionals, contact us today.