The cost of a new AC unit starts at around $4,000.
Like the rest of the HVAC system in your Cypress, TX home, your AC unit needs regular maintenance. There’s a lot you can do before you need to think about a replacement.
If you know what you’re looking at, you could save yourself hundreds of dollars.
Read on to learn what you can do about an air conditioner leaking.
1. Understand the Causes of Air Conditioner Leaking
How does an air conditioner “leak”, anyway?
The most common cause of leaking is a blocked condensate drain line. As your AC cools your home, it produces condensation. Usually, this water drains away – but if the drain line is blocked, it can back up into your home and cause water damage.
A dirty air filter can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, leaking to a leaky AC when the ice melts. And, while less common, a refrigerant leak can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze and lead to leakage.
Regular heating and cooling maintenance is vital for your HVAC systems. You might not think about it too often, but they supply the air that you breathe. You can’t afford to neglect them if they’re not performing well.
2. Turn Off the Electricity
If you identify the possible causes of AC leakage, you need to take immediate action. The first step is to turn off your AC unit and kill its electricity supply. This does two things:
First, it prevents further damage to your AC unit. Second, it will keep you safe while you inspect it.
Remember that water and electricity don’t play nicely together. By switching off the power, you’re ensuring your safety as you work on your air conditioner.
Turning off your air conditioner will also allow any ice that has formed to start melting. If your coil is frozen in place, this may fix the issue.
3. Check the Condensate Drain Line
The condensate line can get clogged with dirt, dust, and mold. When that happens, any water will back up and leak out of your air conditioner.
Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to clean. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the blockage unless the debris is particularly stubborn. In this case, you may need to use a specialized drain line cleaning tool or a stiff brush.
Try and use a gentle touch when clearing the drain line. In most cases, it will be made of PVC and too much force will break it.
4. Thaw the Evaporator Coil
If a frozen evaporator coil is the cause of your AC leaking, you’ll need to give it time to thaw. This isn’t an immediate process and can take hours, so be patient.
Place towels or a bucket under the unit to catch any dripping water. Once the coil has fully thawed, you can turn your air conditioner back on. Keep a close eye on it.
If the unit continues to leak, you likely have a more serious problem on your hands. If that’s the case, it’s time to seek help from professional AC companies.
5. Seek Professional Help
AC companies come equipped with knowledge, tools, and experience that you don’t have.
Look for an AC repair free estimate to get an idea of the fee you’ll be paying.
A professional HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect your unit and suggest the appropriate course of action. They can also carry out a complete AC and heating tune-up while they’re at it.
Stay Cool and Leak-Free
Noticing the signs of an air conditioner leaking is the first step in repairing your AC unit in Cypress, TX. Don’t forget: Regular maintenance is essential to prevent leaks.
If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Most professionals provide free quotes, so there’s no harm in asking.
Texas Pride AC & Heating is a customer-oriented team with four decades of experience. Reach out today to request a free quote!