Here at Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning of Gaithersburg, we get a lot of calls about leaky air conditioners. While air conditioners are supposed to produce condensate — it’s part of how they operate – a leaking AC unit is in need of an air conditioning repair.
How Does Your AC Work?
The air conditioning process involves two actions – removing heat and humidity from inside your home and replacing it with cool air. Inside your home, warm air is cooled as it passes over the coils full of refrigerant. The hot air is released outside as the refrigerant turns back to a liquid and a large fan pulls the outdoor air through the outdoor cool.
You can learn more about How An Air Conditioner Works in this guide.
Air conditioning units are equipped with a condensate line that directs the water away from your AC to a safe place, such as a drain or a grassy area outdoors. If you see water dripping or pooling anywhere else around your air conditioner, this is a reason to call for an air conditioner repair.
Leaky AC Units
There are two components to your air conditioner – one inside the home and one outside the home. While most outside units are located near the home they cool, some are located on the roof. Inside units are frequently located in the attic. When these leak, it can be a recipe for disaster. A leaking AC unit in your attic or on the roof, over time, can saturate your ceilings and create flooding below. Mold can set in resulting in health issues and requiring the replacement of building materials.
This is why it is so important to get regular air conditioner maintenance from a professional air conditioning company. When we perform our inspections, we look over your entire AC system, looking for worn parts and loose fittings to prevent leaks from happening. We offer a comprehensive Presidential Advantage Maintenance Plan that helps protect both your AC unit and your heating system.
Air Conditioner Repair for Leaks
Most AC leaks are due to an issue with the drain pan or the condensate line. If the drain pan was not installed properly or got knocked askew, it may not trip the pan switch before water starts to leak from the pan. When working correctly, a pan switch will detect a leak and shut the system off to prevent damage. If the pan switch is faulty, however, it cannot do its job.
A clog in the condensate line that drains the water from the pan to the outside is also a common problem. Dust and dirt buildup coupled with condensation can produce rust, mold, and mildew. Our technician can clean out your line so your AC unit drains properly again.
If you encounter any AC problems at your Gaithersburg-area home, such as the unit leaking, blowing warm air, or not turning on at all — contact Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning repair.