There are different kinds of leaks your air conditioner can have. Each type of leak will need to be taken care of right away because the longer you wait, the more serious the issues can get. In order to learn more about some of the causes of leaks, the signs that your air conditioner has them, and what can be done about them, read on.
1. Water leaking from the air conditioner
Water may leak from your air conditioner into your home. This issue can be caused by a few things. First, condensation leaks from the evaporator coil that cause the pan to overflow. Depending on where the unit is, the excessive water can end up in your house. That water can cause water damage and mold.
The second thing that can cause water leaks is a clogged condensation drain line. When the condensation drain line is clogged, the condensation won't have anywhere else to go and so it flows into the house. Many things can clog the condensation drain line including things like dirt, sludge, and even mold.
Another thing that can lead to water leaks from the air conditioning system is a rusty drain pan. When the drain pan ends up rusted, it will begin to fall apart and it won't hold water any longer.
2. Refrigerant leaking from the air conditioner
Your air conditioner may be leaking refrigerant. Sometimes when the air conditioner is leaking refrigerant you will be able to smell it in the house. The refrigerant will have a bit of a sweet smell to it. Another sign your AC may be leaking refrigerant is that the air conditioner will start to blow warmer air out of the vents.
One of the things that can cause your air conditioner to leak refrigerant is cracks in the coils that circulates the refrigerant. The leaks can also come from the evaporator coil, the suction line dryer, the fittings, or the valves.
3. Air leaks in the ducts
The air might leak from the ducts. If you have air leaking from the ducts, then you may be able to hear it. Also, you may notice that certain areas of the house are harder to cool. Your energy bill will also likely increase because the leaks will cause the system to work much harder to cool the home down and that extra work will take its toll on the system.
To learn about how you can fix these leaks, reach out to an air conditioning repair service.