7 reasons why your AC could be leaking water

Air conditioners have gone from being a seasonal favourite to a daily essential. And if you’re using your AC on a day-to-day basis, there’s a good chance it endures regular wear and tear. But no one likes walking into a pool of water on the floor. In fact, your air conditioner leaking is a good sign that it is long overdue for servicing.

That said, there could be multiple reasons why you might find water dripping from your AC. We’ve listed seven of them, along with their solutions, below for you to get started. 

7 reasons your air conditioner is dripping water and their solutions

From a build-up of dust to rusted parts, several reasons could be contributing to the mess your AC could be making. Read on to find out what they are, along with their possible solutions.

1. Dirty air filters
2. Improper installation 
3. Mould or fungus 
4. Rusted drain pan
5. Condensation build-up 
6. Drain line disconnect 
7. Leaking refrigerant

1. Dirty air filters

It is no surprise that almost every air conditioner problem begins with dirty air filters. Over time, dust and debris could build up on your AC filter, blocking the airflow and causing it to work extra hard while supplying cool air. This process makes it hard for air to hit the evaporator inside your air conditioner. Sooner or later, this causes the evaporator coil to turn cold and eventually leak water once it melts. However, you can always begin by giving your filters a good cleanse before ringing a service centre.

2. Improper installation

If you’ve only just brought home a new air conditioner, and it has already begun leaking, chances are that it wasn’t installed correctly. Improper installation can cause water to seep out of your AC’s crevices. It is advisable to seek professional help while installing your appliances; you can always opt for Croma’s ZipCare services, which has an AC installation package for your new appliance. 

3. Mould or fungus

Unfortunately, your AC makes for a great, conducive environment for mould or fungus build-up. Blocked water or airflow obstructed by mildew ends up looking out for other outlets of discharge.

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This not only causes your AC to leak water but also causes respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis or asthma, to worsen. For a condition like this, it is best to bring home an expert or technician who can carefully deep clean your AC without damaging it.

4. Rusted drain pan

A drain pan, located under the evaporator coils, collects wastewater before draining it out of your house. But if this pan is broken or rusted, it could cause the water to leak inside your house instead of travelling down the drain line. Rusting drain pans are the first signs of your AC ageing. However, timely servicing and keeping it clean could help prevent this issue.

5. Condensation build-up

Typically, condensation is a normal part of your air conditioner’s day-to-day functioning. While this is a part of the AC’s dehumidifying process, excess condensation could often give way to leakage. While there are multiple reasons for condensation to build up in your AC unit, the common ones include high humidity and clogged ducts. Getting the ductwork of your AC insulated properly could help prevent this problem.

6. Drain line disconnect

The primary function of your drain pipe is to get rid of the wastewater collected in the pan. But if there’s a possible disconnect between the two, you could find that your air conditioner is beginning to leak water indoors. Calling in a technician and getting them replaced is the quickest way to get this problem out of sight.

7. Leaking refrigerant

Perhaps your AC is not leaking water but is dripping refrigerant. The tell-tale sign could include it blowing warm air alongside the leakage. Refrigerant is a liquid used to turn warm air into cold; however, long-term exposure to this could be dangerous to your health. If your air conditioner seems to be leaking refrigerant, it is best to call in a technician quickly to get it fixed.

Air conditioner is a complex appliance, and while it may not be advisable to troubleshoot it at home, regular cleaning could add to its longevity. For everything else, it is best to call up an authorised service centre.