There is a type of leak that you may encounter with your AC, and this leak is a big deal. That is a refrigerant leak. If you have a water leak on your hands, however, well—the problem is not what it seems. What’s that mean? A central air conditioning system does not use water in its operation, so it is really not possible that it is actively leaking water.
But I’ve seen the water surrounding my system! I swear! Okay, we’re not calling you a liar. Don’t worry. We believe you. We didn’t say that there’s no way that water is coming from your system. Just that it is not really a water leak in the traditional sense. Confused yet? Well, we’re about to clear everything up. Here’s what might be going on with your air conditioning in St. Charles, MO.
1. Melting Ice
If you see ice on your air conditioner, you don’t need to turn up the thermostat. You need to recognize that something is wrong with your system. Why? Because your air conditioner is not a freezer, and it should not be generating ice! Ice can develop, but it means there’s an issue to address. You may have a refrigerant leak, for example, allowing coils to get too cold and freezing condensation. You could also have a very dirty air filter that needs changing.
When the ice that builds up on the coils melts, it can wind up pooling around the unit. That can give the illusion of an air conditioning “water leak.” Don’t just towel up the moisture and go on your way. If you’re serious about resolving the problem, you need to solve it at its core!
2. Condensate Backups
Speaking of condensation, you may just need to clean out your condensate drain line. Or, alternatively, you may just need to replace your condensate drain pan. If the pan is cracked or otherwise damaged, it could be leaking. And if the drain line itself is clogged up, then you may need to clean it out to prevent backups.
Remember, when your air conditioner cools your home, it draws some moisture out of the air in your house. When the system does this, that moisture has to go somewhere. So, if you find yourself with water around the unit, it may just be that you need to help your system dispose of condensate as intended. You can even clean out your drain line with something as simple as a homemade, vinegar-based cleaning agent.
3. Plumbing Leaks
Wait, what? You said my system doesn’t use water! What’s the deal? No, your system does not use water. But where is your indoor air conditioner unit installed? Because if it’s at a low point in your house, then water from actual plumbing leaks may be pooling around it, giving the false impression that the AC itself is what’s leaking. If that’s the case, then you need to have a problem resolved—just not the problem that you originally thought you were dealing with!