Water leaks often indicate problems like a clogged drain line, frozen evaporator coils, or a damaged condensate pan. Running the AC could worsen the issue, leading to water damage or further mechanical problems.
To prevent an air conditioner from leaking water inside and outside its case, ensure regular maintenance, including cleaning or replacing the air filter and clearing the condensate drain line to avoid blockages. Check for proper installation with a slight tilt towards the outside to allow proper drainage.
You should shut off your air conditioner immediately if you see any signs of leakage. If there is excessive moisture inside your home, it could cause serious health problems. Mould growth can cause respiratory issues, headaches, nausea, and even asthma attacks. If you see any leaks, call an HVAC technician right away.
One of the most common causes of leakage is clogged drainage. The culprit can be dirt, dust, and fungus that block the water to flow. The water will try to find the other way out, causing the AC to leak. If you let this problem sit for too long, this may cause a breathing problem.
If you simply need a top off of refrigerant, you can expect to pay anywhere from $160-$375. If you need a repair for the leak itself, you can anticipate a higher bill. For refrigerant leak detection and air conditioning repair you may pay anywhere from $550 to $1,600.
Operating an air conditioning system with a refrigerant leak could cause considerable damage to the system. The compressor, a key component of your AC, relies on refrigerant to function and cool.
Flush Condensate Drain Line
The repair cost to have the drain line flushed runs between $75 to $250.
To unclog an AC drain line, turn off the power to the unit. Locate the drain line and use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog. Flush the line with water using a garden hose or cup of water. Check and clean the drain pan under the indoor unit.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
As soon as you notice that your air conditioner is leaking, go ahead and turn it off. This is important even if the air in your home doesn't feel any different, because it will stop the flow of water. The more water leaks out of your air conditioner, the more susceptible it becomes to further damage.
A leak from your air conditioner can cause significant damage to the system. Whether there's more moisture on or near your AC than usual or water is ponding near the drain line, consider it an emergency. The damage from water can quickly escalate and spread to nearby equipment, materials, and furnishings.
Turn off the power to the air conditioner. Remove the access panel and inspect the overflow pan. Use a flashlight to inspect the drain pan and the overflow drain pan. Note any cracks, dents, holes, rust, and mold or algae build-up.
Unfortunately, if you notice water leaking from your AC unit, turn it off until you can identify and solve the problem that caused the leak. Otherwise, you will likely be in for more expensive air conditioning repairs soon.
If the holes seem clogged or blocked, you can easily clean them out with a pipe cleaner, drain snake, or even a wire hanger. You can also spray the underside of the unit with a hose to dislodge anything stuck underneath.
Fixing an AC leak yourself can be possible depending on the severity and cause of the leak. Simple tasks like cleaning the drain line or replacing the air filter are within reach for many homeowners.
It is generally not recommended to use the air conditioning system when there is a water leak. Water leaks can be indicative of underlying issues that may cause further damage to the AC unit or pose safety hazards. It's best to contact a local HVAC service provider.
The drain line access pipe is located near your indoor unit, which may be in your attic, crawl space, or garage, typically installed on top of the gas furnace in your home.
Over time, this line can become clogged with algae, dirt, dust, and debris. When this happens, the line backs up and overflows from the drain pan, causing the water to leak into your home. You can unclog the drain line by removing the debris with a wet/dry vac.
AC Refrigerant Leak Repair
The cost to repair a refrigerant leak ranges from $225 to $1,600, depending on the location and severity of the leak. This repair typically involves: Freon leak fix: $150-$750. Refrigerant recharge: $100-$350.
Clean your AC drain line every one to three months, depending on its tendency to clog. For example, if you live in a particularly humid area that's prone to algae and mold growth, have an old home, or have several furry pets, clean your AC drain line as often as once a month.