Have you noticed water collecting in your AC drain pan? This is a common problem as it eventually leads to flooding. But what causes water to collect in the drain pan? There can be a number of reasons for this happening, some of which you may be able to fix on your own. Let’s explore three reasons your AC drain pan may be filling with water.
1. Clogged AC Filter
If you notice that a lot of water is draining into your AC drain pan, the first thing to check is the air filter. The filter keeps dirt and dust away from the cooling coil, so if it’s clogged with debris, it will cause water to back up in your unit and spill onto the floor. If you clean or replace your air filter regularly and still have this problem, another issue may be at play.
2. Overflowing Condensate Line
A condensate line carries away excess moisture from inside your HVAC system so it doesn’t overflow onto the ground or into your home. If the pipe gets clogged or damaged, it can’t do its job properly, and excess water will leak out of the unit instead of going through the drain line. That’s why it’s essential to check your condensate lines regularly for leaks and blockages — especially if you live in an area with high humidity levels during certain times of year (such as springtime).
3. Bad Compressor/Evaporator Coil
A leaky evaporator coil is one of the most common causes of water in your air conditioning system. This can happen for many reasons, including a loose connection or improper installation of the coil itself. To check if your evaporator coil is leaking refrigerant, turn off your thermostat and remove the front panel from your HVAC system. If any refrigerant drips out of this area during this time, then you need to replace your evaporator coil as soon as possible before further damage occurs to your system.
A bad compressor can also cause excess moisture buildup in your air conditioning system’s drain pan. The most common reason for this problem would be a leaky seal between the suction line and compressor body itself or between two parts of the same component (such as between two O-rings).
Overall
There are few things more maddening than an AC that won’t stop leaking water. But don’t fret. The good news is that there are a number of steps you can take to get your AC working properly again. Contact AMI Air conditioning for all your HVAC concerns. Their experienced technicians will inspect, analyze and fix your AC drain pan issues. You’ll be in the cooling zone again in no time!