Is Your AC Drip a Sign of Trouble? Your Guide to Professional AC Repair

Finding water leaking from your indoor air conditioner cabinet can be quite concerning and a little bit of an AC repair emergency. Depending upon the location of the cabinet, the leaking water can damage flooring, drywall, furniture, and ceilings. The first step is to use a wet-dry vacuum or towels to dry the water before further damage occurs. However, the water will continue to leak unless the root problem is corrected.

To solve the problem, it will be helpful to understand how the water problem developed. The source of the water is humidity from the air inside the house. The process of cooling the air results in condensation.

• The hot, humid air from the home is blown into the evaporator chamber and across a coil of tubes with cool refrigerant. This cools the air.
• The moisture in the air condenses onto the coil and drops to a drain pan underneath. A line is connected to the drain pan to allow the water to drain away and make room for more condensation.
• An air conditioner will remove between 5 and 20 gallons of water from the air each day, so any blockage in the drain line will cause the drain pan to overflow.

Condensation is not the only source of a water leak from the air conditioner, but it is the most common source.

After cleaning up the water, take these steps to locate and identify the AC repair problem. The first step to resolving the issue is identifying the evaporator chamber.

• Trip the circuit breaker at the electric service panel marked AC or air conditioner. This protects hands from the blower motor and illuminates the risk of electric shock.
• On most air conditioners, the only accessible space is the evaporator chamber. A cover is held in place by machine screws. Remove the screws and carefully remove the panel: if the refrigerant line runs through the panel, support it to avoid damaging the copper tubing.
• The evaporator coil should be about eye-level, and the drain pan should be directly below the coil.

There are several viable ways to clear the blockage. Drain line blockages can usually be attributed to rust, debris, or algae.

• Use the wet-dry vacuum or a towel to dry the drain pan. If the blockage is close to the drain pan, the vacuum may successfully remove it.
• Algae flourish in dark, moist spaces and the drain line is just such a place. Removing the algae from the drain line can be accomplished with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. Vinegar is an eco-friendly acid that creates an unhealthy environment for algae.
• Adding this solution to the drain pan annually can prevent algae growth in the future.

Remember to retrace your steps to restore the air conditioner to working condition.

• Replace the panel and the screws that hold it in place.
• Reset the air conditioner’s circuit breaker at the electric service panel.
• Lower the thermostat setting to call for a cooling cycle to begin.
• Observe the cabinet regularly for the next few hours to ensure the drain line is clear and the problem is solved.

There is a simpler way to ensure the drain line stays clear. Schedule an annual AC maintenance inspection with Doctor Cool; an AC repair visit includes caring for the evaporator chamber, drain pan, and drain line.

Leave the AC Repair to the Professionals at Doctor Cool and Professor Heat

While the steps above may offer a temporary fix, a leaky AC unit is often a symptom of a larger problem. For a permanent solution and to avoid costly damage, it’s best to have a professional diagnose the issue. Don’t let a small drip turn into a major flood; schedule your AC repair appointment with Doctorcool.com today for peace of mind and guaranteed results.

Let Doctor Cool assist with all of your AC repair questions. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-516-5935 or email Doctor Cool and let our professional AC repair Contractors assist with all of your AC repair, maintenance, and installation needs.