During the summer, we often hear customer say "my AC is leaking water." While this may be a common problem, it is generally easy for your HVAC experts to diagnose and fix. Most importantly, it's even easier for you to help prevent water damage caused by a leaky AC. Your AC system pulls water out of the air, drips into a drip pan and then will drain through a PVC drain line to the outside. As the temperatures and humidity rises in your Cobb County home, your AC system pulls more water from the air and can create major water damage if problems persist and are not rectified.
Let's take a look at the common areas that can spring a leak:
Clogged Drain Line or Drip Pan - Dirt, dust, bugs, mold, and a variety of other things can get caught in your drain lines and cause a clog. A normal HVAC system has drain lines that remove condensate water away from your home. Your drip pan is meant to hold water, but can only hold so much and will eventually overflow. Like many homes in the metro- Atlanta area, your HVAC system may be in your attic. If you notice water spot on your ceiling below your HVAC system, the culprit most likely is a water leak caused by a clogged drain line.
A Dirty Air Filter - If your air filter is clogged or dirty, it can limit the air flow through your system. This can cause your evaporator coils to freeze up, creating extra water.
Low Refrigerant Levels - Your system will lose pressure if the AC refrigerant levels are low. This causes the system to also freeze up. A frozen AC system will create excess water, creating the potential for water damage in your home. If you have a leak in your HVAC system, make sure to fix it to prevent future water leaks.
Installation Problems- A newly installed HVAC system should not be leaking. Errors during the installation process can present themselves by leaking water. Whether it be a line that was not properly installed or cleared, your new system should be worry free.
Broken Condensate Pump- Your condensate pump should pump pump out the excess water from the drain pan. If there is a problem with the pump getting power, pumping out excess water or just not pumping the water out, you need a professional's help.
Additional Reasons for a Leaking Ac System:
- Drain Lines not positioned properly
- Evaporator Coil Dirty
- Broken pipe joints
- Humidifier Leaking
- Kinked Tubing
- Improper Condensate Pump
How to Avoid a Leaking AC
Performing regular preventative maintenance and being aware of any changes in your system is key to the avoidance of a 
potential HVAC leak. First and foremost, change you air filter regularly. Make sure to have a Guardian HVAC expert inspect your system before each AC season. With a 25 point inspection, your drain lines and pan will be inspected and cleaned. Your refrigerant levels will be checked and your system will be inspected for a possible leak. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is listen and be aware of your system. If you see your air flow reduced or temperature not holding to the set temp on your thermostat, this could mean that there is a problem. Contact the HVAC experts at Guardian to evaluate your system and make sure there are no hidden problems that can cause a frozen AC system or water leak. Schedule your preventative maintenance today and be ready for the upcoming Georgia heat.
