Air Conditioner Water Leaking

What’s the reason for air conditioner water leaking outside?

All air conditioners create some condensation in the process of providing cool air and usually, this condensate, collected in a drain tray, is drained harmlessly away outside.

Normally, condensation forms at the finned cooling coil often located in the ceiling or in a wall-mounted unit and run outside through a drain system.

However, an absence of condensate at the outside drain while your air conditioner system is operating may be a sign of another problem and merits further investigation.

How much water leaking from my air conditioner is normal?

What’s the cause if my air conditioner leaks?

1. Dirty filters or Finned Coil

During normal operation, the finned coil remains moist and easily collects particles of airborne dust. If this dust builds up for long enough, the finned coil may become clogged, stopping airflow and eventually becoming “iced over”. Consequently, a lack of condensate and an abnormal level of cooling is evident.

If more condensate than normal begins to flow after the unit is switched off, this is an indication of a blocked finned coil and a more serious problem.

2. Drain system not working

Another reason to investigate a lack of condensate outside is if the drain system is not operating correctly. This can occur if the drain tray is blocked, eventually overflowing inside or it could be even be cracked or leaking, in which case the damage may have already started but not yet evident.

3. Refrigerant gas levels

If refrigerant gas levels are too low, this means both the finned coil and condenser coil will be unable to produce the anticipated cooling effect. This may also cause the compressor to operate with longer cycles causing the finned coil to eventually “ice over”.  A reduced cooling effect in the room being cooled and less condensate is a tell-tale sign of a more serious problem.

4. Poor or incorrect installation

If your air conditioner unit has been recently installed but produces more condensate than expected or cycles in and out too frequently, it may be undersized for the room being cooled. The extra load on the compressor and other components of the system may be the cause of future and costly repairs.

What action should I take if the condensate from my air conditioner is abnormal?

• If you experience more condensate than expected, or less or even dripping water inside your room, call Alliance Climate Control.
• Their factory technicians operate from radio-controlled vehicles, can be at your home in the Sydney Metropolitan Area in no time.
• We can even set up regular maintenance visits for you so your system is always ready to operate when you need it most.