Homeowners in the Coachella Valley know the importance of having a well-functioning air conditioner at home. It helps to keep them cool and comfortable while doing their daily tasks.
However, just like with other systems, problems might arise over time due to poor maintenance or an outdated AC unit. A water leak in the air conditioners of HVAC owners is among the most common issues they encounter.
What Causes the Leak?
It’s normal for your air conditioner to have a minimal leak of water while it runs. This leakage is mainly because of the condensation produced in the evaporator coil as it cools the air in your home.
On the other hand, there are other causes of water leaks in your AC. These causes include a clogged drainpipe, a congested air filter, and even a cracked drain pan.
However, your AC also tends to leak refrigerants other than water. A refrigerant is a gas compound that, in the condensation process, turns it into liquid. It is responsible for absorbing heat and exchanging it for cool air through the compressors and evaporators.
Metal erosion leading to the formation of holes in the coils is one reason your AC leaks. This erosion results in low levels of refrigerants that affect the cooling efficiency of your unit.
Also, unlike water, a leaking refrigerant is considered a health hazard that leads to poisoning. Its symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and vomiting. Some signs of a refrigerant leak include a decreased cooling power and a hissing sound from your unit.
What Can You Do?
Leaks in your AC unit are best left to trained technicians who know how to detect and solve them. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t take simple measures to avoid further damage. Here’s what you can do:
- Inspect your filters and see if they need to be replaced.
- Put small buckets or containers in the area where there are water drops from the leak.
- Look into the thermostat to check if the temperature reading differs from the air emitted in the room.
- Check the drain pan for small cracks and try to fix them using epoxy glue or water sealant.
Reach Out to a Professional
The ideal thing to do is to ask for help from specialists to ensure the right solutions are provided for your air conditioner.
Contact Western Air Cooling & Heating in the entire Coachella Valley for all problems related to your AC unit leaking. Book our experts today!
