At the first sign of summer heat, hundreds of thousands of Americans experience their dreaded summer fear: their air conditioning isn’t working. And to make matters worse, it even started leaking! Obviously, you want to know the warning signs of an AC leak and what you can do to make sure you’re covered and staying cool. So don’t sweat the small stuff, Total Restoration is here to give you a few tips on what to look for!

So, how exactly do you spot leaks in your Air Conditioning unit? Well, the first sign that anything is wrong with your AC is that it isn’t working as well as it used to. If the cooling power has noticeably deteriorated, then it is very likely that your AC has a leak. If you hear any unusual sounds coming from the unit, usually any bubbling or hissing, that’s a definite sign that there’s a coolant leak. 

The most common cause of leaks is a faulty or deteriorated drip pan. Converting hot air into cool air creates a lot of condensation. The drip pan on your AC is there to catch all those droplets so they don't leak into your home. Fortunately, water leaking from air conditioner drip pans isn’t a huge deal, and you don’t need to replace your entire AC unit. But you’ll still need to call a professional to repair the primary drip pan that’s welded inside of your air conditioner.

Another reason your AC is dripping water could be due to a clogged drain line. This builds up a lot of condensation with nowhere for it to go. This stagnant water is breeding grounds for bacteria. This can cause algae, mold, and fungi to grow in your drain line. And while it’s normal to need to clean your drain line every once in a while. It’s a long process that requires special tools, so it’s better that you call a professional for help rather than attempting it yourself.

One last common reason for AC leakage is when condensate pumps stop working. If your unit is leaking water, the condensate pump is most likely broken. Condensate pumps are used in central AC units to pump out condensation. These are necessary for AC units that don’t allow water to drip with gravity. No need to worry. This is a common and easy fix for HVAC professionals.

While you might normally go for a DIY fix, we recommend calling an HVAC expert to fix the leak. Any damage afterwards, Total Restoration has you covered. With our years of experience and access to all the right tools for the job, let us help you keep your cool this summer!