Why Is Water Dripping From My AC?

AIr conditioners are designed to cool your home, not expel water. So if water is dropping from your air conditioner it certainly indicates a problem that needs the attention of an HVAC professional. In today’s post, the HVAC contractors at Perfect Degree HVAC takes a look at why water can come from an air conditioner.

Where Is the Water Coming From?

Air conditioners, regardless of type, are equipped with an air handler. Part of its function is to collect moisture from the air indoors and expel it through a drain line. Outdoors, the moisture is collected in a drip pan, which may need to be emptied occasionally or drained towards the drains. Under normal working conditions, you wouldn’t even have to worry about this part of the cooling cycle.

Causes of Dripping Water

Even if your air conditioning is expelling just droplets, it’s not meant to do that, and therefore shouldn’t be ignored. The first thing you need to do is turn it off and call an HVAC technician, as it may be caused by one or more of the following.

Installation error. If the air conditioner is installed recently, there is a good chance that the problem is caused by a mistake during installation. Manufacturers have specific instructions on how condensate lines should be connected between the indoor and outdoor units, and not following specifications typically lead to issues like this. Working with certified HVAC installers can help prevent such problems.
Clogged air filter. Air filters catch dust and other indoor air pollutants, and usually get filled to capacity every three months. If clogged, it can block airflow and cause icing in the evaporator coils, which turns into water as it thaws. Make it a point to inspect your AC’s air filters as often as every month so you’d know when to replace them.
Clogged drain line. The drain lines route moisture from the AC into the drip pan. Sometimes dust, dirt and moss make their way into the drain lines, causing clogging that leads to backflow. Keeping up with annual HVAC maintenance can help keep your AC’s drain lines clean.

If you need help with water dripping from your AC, or other issues like heating repair, give Perfect Degree HVAC a call at (610) 529-7372. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.

Jennifer Woodruff