Is a Leaking Air Conditioner Dangerous?

August 13, 2021

When your air conditioner is running properly, your house will be cool and dry. A leaking air conditioner is frustrating but isn’t necessarily dangerous. It depends on whether it’s leaking water or coolant.

Water leaking from your air conditioner isn’t dangerous but can cause a lot of damage to your house. In contrast, a coolant leak is harmful to you and the environment. In either case, fixing a leak will require skilled air conditioning repair.

In most instances, you can stop your air conditioner from leaking by requesting annual air conditioning maintenance. During your appointment, an HVAC tech will closely inspect your system for issues and clean it. This service helps ensure worry-free performance and may even boost energy efficiency.

Find out why your air conditioner is leaking and how you can stop it from happening in the future.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

Water is a natural result of air conditioning. Your air conditioner has two systems, one outside and one inside. The indoor unit has an evaporator coil that cools warm air as it blows over it. Condensation occurs as the air cools, drips into a drain pan and drains out of your home through a condensate drain line.

Because of the condensation process, having water back up is a common problem. We regularly receive calls about an air conditioner leaking water inside or an air conditioner leaking water outside. Here’s why it occurs:

Drain Line Is Clogged

Over time, mold can block the condensate drain line. This can result in water backing up inside your home. Our Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, Inc professionals can eliminate clogs and get water draining again smoothly. Reach us at 740-474-5940 for help.

Air Filter Needs to Be Changed

We recommend replace flat filters monthly and pleated filters every three months.

Replacing your air filter is critical for:

  • Indoor air quality
  • Energy efficiency
  • Reducing breakdowns
  • Extending your air conditioner’s life span

A dirty air filter can reduce airflow, make the coil extremely cold and freeze it. As the coil melts, it can make the drain pan overflow. We suggest inspecting your air filter if you haven’t replaced it lately and your air conditioner is leaking water indoors.

If this doesn’t resolve the issue, your drain pan might be rusty or have a malfunctioning condensate pump. Replacing your pan or pump requires a professional, so call us at 740-474-5940 for help.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Freon?

Your air conditioner needs coolant to move heat. If your air conditioner was installed before 2011, it probably has R-22 Freon. As time passes, chemicals in Freon can eat through metal and create leaks.

It’s good to know about air conditioner Freon leak symptoms in the event your system has one. They include:

  • Air that feels warmer or more humid than normal
  • Bubbling or hissing noises near the air conditioner
  • Sweet smell near the air conditioner
  • Frozen evaporator coil

Freon is hazardous to your health if handled improperly, so you’ll need an HVAC professional like Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, Inc to fix an air conditioner coolant leak. In most situations, it may just be better to schedule air conditioning installation since Freon is costly. Production of this coolant was stopped in 2020 due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. As a result, only limited recycled quantities are available.

Rely on Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling, Inc for Repairing Your Air Conditioner Leaks

When it comes to air conditioning repair in Circleville, turn to the company your neighbors and friends trust. We’ve been known for our quick, friendly and reasonable services since 1972. Call us at 740-474-5940 to request your appointment today!