When your air conditioner drips water, it can be difficult to know where to start. Leaking air-cons can cause a fair amount of damage, especially left untreated. Mould, weakened structural integrity and stains are all created by a leaking air conditioner unit. In this article, we are going to share some reasons why your air conditioner drips water and some solutions in having your air conditioner repaired.
Australia in well known for its often hot and humid weather. To combat the heat, many Aussies turn to air-conditioning to cool down. Because air conditioning systems cool the air by removing humidity, the condensation build up is exacerbated by this kind of weather.
If the flow of air to the evaporator coil is jeopardised by a blockage in the filter, the temperature will drop. When the coil reaches a point where it gets too cold, it can freeze. If it becomes frozen, the build-up of ice will melt once the air conditioner is turned off as it thaws out. As the ice melts, the excess residual water will begin to leak and drip.
On air conditioning units, there are condensate drain lines that water runs through. This piping is usually routed to a roofing gutter, where it leaves the building. If for some reason however, the pathway of the drainage pipe is clogged or blocked, the water will build up. Depending on the location and severity of the blockage, the build-up can also result in further leaks around the building.
If your AC system is running on low Refrigerant, chances are that it won’t be long before it starts leaking water. This occurs through a similar process as having a dirty air filter, where the evaporator coil freezes. After it begins to thaw out, the water builds up causing a leak. One major problem that occurs when your ac is low on refrigerant is that it can be hard to identify. It may even mean that you need to replace your entire AC unit. If your air con is blowing warm air this could also be why.
One of the most integral components in any air conditioning unit is the insulation. If there isn’t enough insulation, condensation will drip from the pipes over time. This is one of the most common reasons why air conditioning can leak water.
So how do you prevent an air conditioning leak in the first place?
As we discussed earlier if the air filter is dirty it can quickly cause the evaporator coil to freeze. It’s advisable that you regularly clean the filter so ensure there is no dirty air.
Adhering to a regular maintenance schedule can make your air con last it full life expectancy, while also reducing the chance that it will drip water. If you check the refrigerant levels and they appear quite low, then that might be a indicator of a refrigerant leak.
It may in fact be time to upgrade to a more modern air con unit. Older units are much more likely to leak water. Buying a new air con can also save you money in repairs down the line.
One of the most common reasons for water leaks, Insulation is one of the most important components to an air conditioning system. If you aren’t sure if there is enough insulation, you can contact an air condition expert to come and have a look for you.
When your air conditioner drips a decent amount of water, it is best to resolve the problem sooner rather than later. What can initially be a rather innocuous annoyance can soon lead to an expensive repair. If your air con is dripping water, Enercell provides full air conditioning repair Sydney as well as brand new air conditioning installations. We also offer servicing and maintenance, to ensure that your air conditioning setup will continue to keep you cool through those hot Australian months. If you would like a consultation with one of our air conditioning experts, simply contact us online or give us a call today at 1800 849 018. We look forward to hearing from you!
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