The number of homes in the U.S. using air conditioning is increasing steadily, with about 90% having installed AC units. Despite these rising numbers, homeowners in McKinney, TX continue to have issues with their air conditioners. Water leaking from the AC is one of these issues.
If your air conditioner is leaking water, it could be due to dirty air filters, old pipes, or improper installation. Fungus, mold, and clogged drain pans are some of the other causes of this issue.
Whatever the reason, you may be wondering what you can do about it. Here's what you should do to get the problem resolved quickly:
Stop Using the AC
Though water leaking from an AC unit isn't dangerous, it might lead to mold growth in your home. Even more, when dealing with a coolant leak, you risk experiencing respiratory problems when you inhale the toxic fumes of the leak.
Turn off the air conditioner when you notice it is leaking water. Feel free to do this even when your home is in dire need of cool air.
Switching off the machine may help stop water from flowing. It will buy you time as you try to contact an HVAC contractor for an AC tune-up. You also get to prevent the machine from further damage due to leaks.
Clean Up Any Water
If you notice a puddle of water lying around your AC unit, clean it up with a mop. Don't wait until it smells musty, starts growing mold, or causes damage to the floor.
Some homeowners may notice their AC leaking when it's too late. By the time they spot the leaks, the area surrounding the machine will have signs of mold and mildew. Electrical connections and wiring may also display signs of corrosion.
Check the Condensate Drain for Mold or Dirt
A condensate drain helps drain hot air from a room once the AC condenses it into water. It may not function properly when clogged by fungi, dust, or algae. As a result, it may start leaking water.
So, check the condensate drain for signs of debris. Use a wet vacuum cleaner to remove any debris in the drain pipes. You may also pour distilled vinegar and baking soda into the pipes and flush it with water after an hour.
Clean and Replace the Air Filter
An air filter helps remove impurities like pet dander, bacteria, and dust flowing through an HVAC system. But if it is dirty, it can't handle smooth airflow. When this happens, the evaporator coils, which cool the refrigerant to absorb heat by relying on sufficient airflow, fail to work effectively.
With proper heating and cooling maintenance, you can fix a dirty or defective air filter. Cleaning it or purchasing a new one can also work. Most AC companies recommend replacing it after a few months.
AC Is Leaking Water? Call the Pros
Addressing the problem immediately will help if your AC is leaking water. This way, the problem won’t spread to the entire system.
If your AC doesn't respond to these fixes, reach out to Burnside Air Conditioning, Heating & Indoor Air Quality. It's a great company to seek HVAC services in McKinney, Tx, and areas surrounding Collin County. Call for an estimate on AC repair today.