Is a Leaking Air Conditioner Dangerous?

August 13, 2021

When your air conditioner is running properly, your home will be cool and dry. A leaking air conditioner is frustrating but isn’t necessarily dangerous. It depends on whether it’s leaking water or coolant.

Water leaking from your air conditioner isn’t bad but can cause a lot of damage to your house. On the other hand, a coolant leak is dangerous for you and the environment. In either situation, repairing a leak will require professional air conditioning repair.

In most instances, you can stop your air conditioner from leaking by requesting annual air conditioning maintenance. During your appointment, an HVAC technician will closely examine your system for problems and clean it. This service helps provide worry-free cooling and may even improve energy efficiency.

Find out why your air conditioner is leaking and how you can prevent it from happening in the future.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

Water is a natural byproduct of the cooling process. Your air conditioner has two units, one outside and one inside. The indoor unit includes an evaporator coil that cools warm air as it moves over it. Condensation forms as the air cools, flows into a drain pan and drains out of your home through a condensate drain line.

Because of the condensation process, having water back up is a common problem. We regularly get calls about an air conditioner leaking water inside or an air conditioner leaking water outside. Here’s why it occurs:

Drain Line Is Plugged

Over time, mold can block the condensate drain line. This can lead to water backing up inside your home. Our Custom Air Systems Inc professionals can eliminate clogs and get water draining again smoothly. Reach us at 772-247-2283 for assistance.

Air Filter Is Dirty

We recommend changing flat filters monthly and pleated filters every three months.

Replacing your air filter is critical for:

  • Indoor air quality
  • Energy efficiency
  • Decreasing breakdowns
  • Extending your air conditioner’s life span

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, make the coil very cold and cause it to freeze. As the coil defrosts, it can overwhelm the drain pan. We recommend inspecting your air filter if you haven’t changed it lately and your air conditioner is leaking water indoors.

If this doesn’t fix the issue, your drain pan may be rusty or have a broken condensate pump. Getting a new pan or pump requires a pro, so contact us at 772-247-2283 for help.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Freon?

Your air conditioner uses coolant to move heat. If your air conditioner was installed before 2011, it likely uses R-22 Freon. As time passes, chemicals in Freon can eat away at metal and create leaks.

It’s good to know about air conditioner Freon leak symptoms in the event your system develops one. They include:

  • Air that feels warmer or more humid than normal
  • Bubbling or hissing sounds near the air conditioner
  • Sweet odor by the air conditioner
  • Frozen evaporator coil

Freon is hazardous to your health if handled improperly, so you’ll want an HVAC professional like Custom Air Systems Inc to repair an air conditioner coolant leak. In most instances, it may just be better to request air conditioning installation since Freon is costly. Manufacturing of this coolant was halted in 2020 because of its harmful effects on the ozone layer. As a result, just limited recycled quantities are available.

Trust Custom Air Systems Inc for Repairing Your Air Conditioner Leaks

When it comes to air conditioning repair in Port St. Lucie, turn to the company your neighbors and friends depend on. We’ve been known for our fast, friendly and reasonable services since 1974. Contact us at 772-247-2283 to schedule your appointment today!