If you notice water dripping from your indoor air conditioner, there’s no need to panic as this is a common issue that happens to some (or even most) air conditioner units.
You shouldn’t fret too much if you notice it at first, as the components of the air conditioner are designed to handle water circulation and are mostly waterproof. Therefore, a minor leak is unlikely to cause any significant damage to the air conditioner. But this doesn’t mean that you can just let it be. Addressing this issue promptly is the key to ensuring that the problem won’t cause extensive damage.
What Are the Causes of Leaks in Air Conditioners?
Several factors can cause a leak in your air conditioner, such as those that we’ve curated below:
- Freon Leaks: Leaks in the freon line can cause frost that forms on the indoor evaporator coil. But due to the temperature, eventually, the ice will melt and it will result in water dripping.
- Evaporator Damage: Any damage to the evaporator coil can disturb its function and result in water leakage.
- Blocked Indoor Drain: Not cleaning your air conditioner properly can also cause dirt buildup that will clog the indoor drain. This will prevent proper drainage and cause leaks in the air conditioner.
- Excessive Condensation: This problem can happen if the insulation on the refrigerant pipes is missing or damaged, which can result in tear forming and lead to increased condensation.
What Are the Dangers of an Air Conditioner Leak?
As we stated above, a minor leak in your air conditioner is harmless. But, it is important to not ignore this issue when it happens to your air conditioner. Failing to address a water-leaking air conditioner promptly can lead to several problems!
Health Issues
Increased indoor humidity from a leaking air conditioner can cause harm to your health. This is because the damp conditions encourage the growth of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, which can lead to various health issues.
Create a Dangerous Environment in Home
A leaking air conditioner can cause flooding on the floor which creates slip hazards at home. Additionally, if you have carpet, leaks in your air conditioner can also make it constantly wet. This will lead to unpleasant odors and potential mold growth.
It is also important to take note that most home appliances aren’t water-resistant. Water from a leak can harm some of your home appliances, especially the electronic devices.
Potential for Short Circuit
Water exposure in an indoor air conditioner unit significantly raises the risk of an aircon electrical problem, such as a short circuit. When water contacts electrical components constantly, it can cause malfunctions. This not only damages the air conditioner but also poses a severe fire hazard. Addressing leaks promptly is essential to prevent such dangerous electrical issues.
4 Ultimate Signs of Air Conditioner Leak
There are lots of issues that can happen due to leaks in the air conditioner. Therefore being able to identify the signs of a leak is crucial to ensure you can take the necessary actions for repair or replacement. Here are some warning signs that indicate your air conditioner might be experiencing a leak!
Water Pooling Around the Air Conditioner
The most obvious sign is definitely if you see water accumulate around or near your air conditioner unit. This is the first and utmost sign that there is a leak somewhere in or around your air conditioner system.
The Air Conditioner is Unable to Cool Properly
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling as effectively as usual, even when outside temperatures are high, it could be a sign of a leak within the unit. Water leaks in the air conditioner can interfere with the system’s components and reduce its efficiency. Thus, this can lead to poor cooling performance in your air conditioner unit.
There’s a Strange Sounds Inside the Air Conditioner
A properly functioning air conditioner should operate quietly without unusual noise. If you notice that your air conditioner unit has strange sounds coming, it can indicate there’s a problem in your air conditioner such as a leak.
Air Conditioner Unit Emit Unpleasant Odor
Your air conditioner should also not produce any noticeable odors. Thus, if you detect unpleasant smells coming from the unit, it may be due to mold growth that is caused by water leaks within the unit.
If you notice any of these signs in your air conditioner unit, it is best to contact a professional technician to help address this issue immediately. You don’t want the issue to grow worse and cause further damage and expensive repairs in the future.
