In the summer, the HVAC system works hard to remove heat and humidity from your home's indoor air, which results in a great deal of condensation. Fortunately, it's designed to safely remove this moisture, but if an issue develops, it's not uncommon to find a puddle of water on the floor. Before calling an air conditioning contractor to assess the situation, find out more about what causes these leaks.

Why Is Your AC System Leaking?

1. Condensate Drain Pan Damage

The drain pain is typically located below the evaporator coils and has the simple job of collecting moisture resulting from condensation. However, if it's cracked, rusted, or otherwise damaged, it may allow water to leak through. Since this receptacle is fixed in place, a professional will need to swap it out with a new one. 

2. Drain Line Issues

If the pan seems undamaged but is overflowing, the problem likely lies in the drain line that's supposed to empty it. This is generally a plastic tube that's attached to a pump and runs outside through PVC piping. Unfortunately, mold and algae can grow inside the line due to constant moisture. The line will need to be cleaned out to restore its functionality. 

If this pathway is clean and unobstructed, a faulty condensate pump may be the culprit. Both cleaning the line and replacing the pump are simple fixes an air conditioning contractor will take care of promptly. 

3. Airflow Restriction

Refrigerant runs through the evaporator coil, which allows heat to be removed from the air that passes over this component. However, when airflow is restricted, the imbalance in temperature creates excessive condensation that will then freeze over. This will result in the AC performing poorly, and when the ice melts after the system cycles off, the drain pan may overflow.

Several issues can restrict the airflow. A clogged air filter is the simplest; check this screen once a month during the summer and replace it if there's a good deal of visible dust and debris. A broken blower motor should be replaced, and a low refrigerant level usually indicates a leak in the line that will need to be repaired by a professional.

Whether your AC is leaking water or not running at all, turn to the professionals at Rapids Sheet Metal Heating & Cooling. This team of skilled air conditioning contractors helps keep homes comfortable all summer throughout the Wisconsin Rapids, WI, area, and when autumn rolls around, they'll ensure you're cozy all winter, too. If you have questions about leak repair, a new system installation, or the indoor air quality in your home, give the team a call at (715) 301-0256. Visit their website to learn more about AC maintenance.