What to Do About a Leaking AC Unit

This past summer, people in the United States avoided turning on their AC units because of the cost it took to run them.

Even on a good day, bills can creep up on you if you run the air conditioner too long. If you don’t take care of your unit, you may notice an even more dramatic price increase.

If you notice water surrounding your AC unit, you may want to take another look at it. Read below if you want to discover the best ways of resolving a leaking AC, without spending a fortune!

Turn It Off

If you have a leaking AC the first step you should take is to turn the machine off.

Turning off your AC unit will help you get a better look without running the risk of shocking, cutting, or burning yourself. When AC units are actively running, they can continue to leak and become a danger to the person handling them.

Unplug your AC unit and wait a little bit to ensure the machinery isn’t hot when you touch it. The longer your system is running without addressing the issue, the more fluids it will leak. 

Wipe up the Mess

Before you try to evaluate the problem, you want to wipe up the water mess.

Cleaning up the water that leaked is essential so that moisture doesn’t collect in or around your home. If you wait too long, mold and mildew could begin to grow. Use a disinfectant and warm water to clean the area and get rid of frost, if there is any.

Ignoring the water spots can also harm your AC unit. The water could develop rust or freeze and damage the unit’s structure.

Examine the AC

Depending on your knowledge, you may need to contact an AC repair company.

You can search for AC repair in my area and discover the best options if you don’t know how to fix your unit. AC units can be tricky to fix if you don’t have the proper education, by pulling out the user’s guide, you can try to troubleshoot it.

Make sure the unit is fully turned off and unplugged when you start to assess the damage. Pay extra attention to the areas above and surrounding water spots. You can feel around the nearby surfaces and on the unit to find all of the leaks.

You can use tape or write down notes on the areas that are leaking in case they stop. This will be useful if you need a contractor to fix them.

Contact a Repair Company

Emergency AC repair companies can help if you don’t have the experience or time to fix the problem.

By looking at online reviews and asking for referrals, you can find the best repair company in your area. Some people recommend using local groups on social media to find resources and discover deals. Comparing several options will help you find the most affordable and effective solution.

AC unit repair teams will come to your home, assess the damage, and often, repair it on spot. Although you’ll have to pay for the materials and labor, you can trust in knowing that it was properly fixed.

Replace Your Filters

If it’s been a while since you changed your air filters, you should invest in new ones immediately.

Clogged filters can contribute to the AC unit leaking water. Not only do dirty filters waste money on utility bills and cause leaks, but they can also prevent your home from efficiently heating up.

You should set a reminder on your phone or computer to replace your filters. If you have the storage space, buy a couple at a time so you always have a replacement on hand.

Check the Drain Pan

Sometimes an old or clogged drain pan can cause leaks.

Dust, mold, and dirt accumulate in the AC unit’s drain pan. Over time, this debris can prevent the flow of water and cause issues with your central air system. If outside debris from cutting the grass is too much to clean, a contractor can get things flowing again.

Clogs can block water and cause leaks in critical areas. If they aren’t fixed quickly, they can cause cracks in the pipes and lead to more expensive repairs. Use a dry-wet vacuum to clean your drain pan if you want to prevent more leaks.

Balance Refrigerant Levels

Have you noticed frost building up around your AC unit?

When refrigerant levels start decreasing, they can make the unit cold and leak water. The evaporator coil gets cold, freezes up, and then thaws, leaving a puddle behind. Drip and drain pans should catch this water, which is why you want to make sure they are cleared of blockages.

After adding refrigerant to your unit, monitor the levels. If they fluctuate again, you may have an internal issue. An AC unit repairman can diagnose your unit for more serious problems.

Let Go of Leaking AC Problems

A leaking AC unit might not seem like a big deal, but if you don’t get it fixed, you may deal with expensive repairs.

Pay attention to the surroundings of your unit and energy bills. You can monitor these if you need help identifying wasted water and energy. Don’t hesitate to call a professional for help fixing the unit. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you aren’t comfortable fixing the unit. Make sure you check out our site for more content on how to repair an AC unit and maintain your home!