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If you know anything about the way that a refrigerant-based air conditioning system operates, then you know your system uses the evaporation of refrigerant in order to remove heat from the air in your home. That refrigerant is condensed outdoors, releasing its heat, before repeating the cycle until desired temperatures are met. At no point in the process does water come into play. So what the heck is going on when your air conditioner starts to leak water?
Well, it’s not really a water leak in the way that a water heater may spring one. No, that does not mean that the water surrounding the unit is a figment of your imagination. It just means that the source of that water is not a ruptured pipe, as is so often the case with plumbing leaks. So read on, learn what could be behind this mysterious phenomenon, and whether it means that you need air conditioning repair in Tampa, FL or not.
Remember, ACs Dehumidify as They Run
Your air conditioner is not a dehumidifier. If you are struggling with high humidity levels in your home, then you are well-advised to invest in a whole-house dehumidification system. That being said, your air conditioner does, in fact, remove some moisture from the air as it cools your home.
That water has to go somewhere. It collects on the evaporator coil, and there is a catch pan called the condensate drain pan to catch the water as it drips off of the coil. That water then travels on out of your home via the condensate drain line—at least, it does when everything is working properly.
Your condensate drain pan may be rusted through, which could account for the puddle around the AC unit. It could also simply be misaligned. Your drain line could also be damaged, and clogs are not an infrequent issue. You can run some cleaner through it, even a simple vinegar solution, to move that clog through the line. Or, you can always have us come and check everything out!
It Could Be Ice Melting
Whoa, you may be thinking, I keep my home cool—but not freezing! Well, your AC is not supposed to be running cold enough to create ice. That’s the problem. If your evaporator coil is icing over, it means that there is a problem of some kind. Not all of the potential causes of an icy AC are terribly serious.
If, for instance, airflow is severely restricted due to a very dirty filter, the reduced airflow could lead to a freezing coil causing condensate ice up. Simply replacing the filter with a clean one is the solution in this case. However, you may have a more serious problem—a refrigerant leak!
If you do have a refrigerant leak, and there is not a sufficient amount of refrigerant to draw heat out of the air, ice is the least of your concerns. You can severely damage your system, even to the point of needing a full replacement, if you continue to run it in this condition. If there is icemelt coming out of your AC and your filter is clean, contact us right away.
Schedule your AC repairs with Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.