Is Water Dripping from My AC Dangerous?

Indoor cooling may have once been a luxury, but today, it’s necessary. If your air conditioner leaks water, you may be concerned about why and what you can do about it. Schaafsma Heating & Cooling is here to explain why your AC might be leaking and when to call a professional for help.

Your Guide to A Leaky Air Conditioner

A leaky air conditioner may be a nuisance but isn’t necessarily dangerous. Water is a normal byproduct of air conditioning, but refrigerant leaks harm you and the environment.

Your indoor AC unit has an evaporator coil that cools the warm air as it blows over the coil. As the air cools, condensation forms and drips into a drainpipe. It then goes out of your home through a condensate drain line. Because of this condensation process, water leaking from air conditioners is a common problem.

Reasons your AC may be leaking include:

The Drain Line Is Clogged

Over time, mold and fungi can form in your drain line and cause a clog. Dirt, dust, and other debris can also clog drains, causing water to leak inside your house. If you think your drain line is clogged, it’s best to call a professional to handle the issue.

The Air Filter Needs to Be Changed

It’s recommended that you change your air filter every 1 to 3 months, depending on the type of filter. A dirty air filter can reduce airflow, which can cause the coil to become extremely cold and freeze. When the coil defrosts, it can overwhelm the drain pan, causing leaks. If the leak isn’t fixed, the drain pan could become rusty or the condensate pump could develop issues.

Improper Installation

If you get a new AC that starts leaking immediately, the unit may not have been installed correctly. You can check to see if the AC was installed unevenly, but you should call a professional to assist in finding and fixing the issue. 

Old Pipes

Over the years, the coating of your AC pipes can break, causing leakage. A solution for this is having a professional replace your pipe covers with new ones.

Leaking Refrigerant

If you’ve noticed warmer air coming out of your AC after a leak, your unit might be leaking refrigerant. Refrigerant leaks are dangerous to your health, so if you suspect this, you should call a professional immediately.

When to Call For Professional AC Repair

Water leaking from your AC unit isn’t dangerous, but refrigerant leaks are. Exposure to refrigerant leaks for extended periods is poisonous to your body.

Air conditioners use refrigerant to turn warm air into cool air. Many older types of AC units use Freon as a refrigerant, and Freon can eat away at the metal over time and cause leaks.

Signs of a Freon leak include:

• Air that’s hotter or more humid than usual
• Bubbling or hissing noises near your AC unit
• A sweet smell near your AC unit
• A frozen evaporator coil

Because Freon and other refrigerants pose a danger to your health, it’s essential to call a trained professional immediately if you suspect you have a refrigerant leak. Even if you’re unsure, seeking professional help for AC repairs is always best.

Choose Schaafsma for Air Conditioning Services

Since 1905, Schaafsma Heating & Cooling has provided the highest-quality heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. When you require professional AC repairs, turn to the best around.

We use XIO technology; are members of the ACCA, Service Nation Alliance, and National Comfort Institute; are one of two Greater Grand Rapids NATE-certified technicians; have an A+ rating with the BBB; and service all brands.

Call 616-458-7304 to schedule expert AC repair services.