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Tag: Low refrigerant levels

why is my ac leaking water

Common Reasons Why Your AC Is Leaking Water

Written by Eazy Breezy on . Posted in General.

If you’re searching online for “Why is my AC leaking water?” it may be time to reach out to a professional HVAC technician to get some answers. AC units can leak for various reasons, and experts like Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling can help homeowners identify the root cause of the issue and find a solution quickly.

These leaks can cause serious damage if they continue for lengthy periods, so it is essential not to ignore them.

Homeowners should understand the common reasons why air conditioners may leak and act quickly when they notice these issues. Common causes of air conditioning leaks include the following:

Clogged Drain Lines

One of the most common reasons for an air conditioner leak is a clog in the drain line. This important component releases condensate, and when it fills with dirt, debris, or algae, it can cause the drain pan to overflow and lead to a leak. Professional technicians may use a specialized vacuum to suck out the clog and restore drainage.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Sometimes, condensate freezes on the evaporator coils and then melts quickly, leading to a leak. These freezing events occur with restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels, although dirty coils are also sometimes the culprit.

Dirty Air Filters

Dirty air filters can lead to AC leaks by reducing airflow to the unit and increasing condensation. Poor airflow also adds undue stress to the system and can cause damage to components more quickly than normal.

Low Refrigerant Levels

When refrigerant levels are low and the evaporator coil is colder than usual, it can increase condensation, potentially leading to the freeze-and-thaw cycle that contributes to leaks. Often, homeowners will hear a gurgling or hissing sound when this is the case.

Damaged Drain Pans

If the condensate drain pan is damaged or rusted, it may not hold water reliably and can cause a leak. Replacement is typically necessary after 10 to 12 years.

Improper Installation

If the leak occurs soon after a new unit’s installation or after turning the cooling on for the first time that year, it may be because of mistakes during installation. For example, a poorly configured drain line can cause condensate build-up and leaks.

Act Fast To Prevent Damage

An AC leak is an indication that something is working incorrectly, so it is essential to pursue professional maintenance to prevent further damage to the unit. These leaks can also cause serious water damage that is expensive to repair. A professional can quickly repair or replace components to stop the leak and restore optimal function to the unit.

Call Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling for Leak Assistance

Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling offers expert HVAC repair and replacement. Our experienced team can assist you with everything from basic HVAC tips to complex repairs and replacement processes if your unit suddenly stops working. If you notice a leak, let us take a look as soon as possible to avoid damaging your home or living without effective AC for longer than necessary.

To schedule a maintenance visit, call 520-207-0334.

how to tell if ac is leaking refrigerant

Four Signs of an Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak

Written by Eazy Breezy on . Posted in General.

A refrigerant leak in your air conditioner can cause many problems and should be repaired quickly. Tucson, AZ, AC repair experts can assist homeowners in identifying the cause of their leak and provide timely repairs to get the system running properly again.

Delaying repairs can lead to further issues, so it’s important for homeowners to look out for the following signs of low refrigerant levels.

1. Sudden Spikes in Electricity Bills

When the system leaks refrigerant, it can’t run efficiently and works harder than it should. The result is a higher utility bill, which homeowners may only notice over a few months. It’s best to compare bills from the previous year’s cooling season to identify major inconsistencies.

2. Poor Cooling Performance

The unit will not provide consistent cooling if a leak depletes refrigerant levels. Homeowners might notice poor airflow or warm air from the vents despite the unit being set to a cooling cycle. Long cooling cycles or frequent cycling on and off are also red flags for potential leaks.

If the system performs poorly, a refrigerant leak is one of the most common culprits. It is important to address the leak quickly to prevent the frequent cycles from damaging the unit further through excess wear and tear.

3. Unusual Noises From the Unit

Homeowners may notice a hissing noise from the unit as refrigerant escapes through a leak. Other noises to be wary of include rattling and clanging, which typically indicate failing components due to more complicated issues than a refrigerant leak (though a persistent, untreated leak can cause component damage and failure).

4. Excess Condensation and Ice Buildup

Finally, homeowners should look out for frozen condensation around the unit. The evaporator coils may freeze if too little refrigerant cycles through them, preventing them from absorbing adequate heat as designed. While some condensation on the coils is normal, when it becomes excessive or freezes, this is a major warning sign of a refrigerant leak.

Sometimes, the freezing coils will drip and cause the overflow drain pain to fill up and spill, resulting in visible water leaks around the unit. These leaks can cause serious water damage and be a breeding ground for mold and mildew if left to spread, so it’s vital to address them quickly.

Why Seek Professional Maintenance?

It’s always best to choose a professional air conditioning service over DIY approaches because certified HVAC contractors have the tools and expertise to safely and efficiently address the issue without damaging your home. Additionally, seasoned technicians can spot subtle signs of damage that homeowners might miss.

Trust Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling

Now that you know how to tell if your AC is leaking refrigerant, it’s time to seek professional support.

Tucson, AZ, residents can trust Eazy Breezy Heating & Cooling to tackle their AC issues. Whether you’re struggling with a suspected refrigerant leak or bad AC smells, our expert team can help you restore your system’s efficiency and performance.

Call 520-207-0334 today to schedule your inspection or learn about seasonal maintenance services.