Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water Inside Home?

Finding water leaking from your air conditioner can be alarming, especially when it starts pooling inside your home. While a small amount of condensation is normal, continuous or excessive leaking is a sign that something isn’t working properly.

If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside my home?”, you’re not alone. Let’s break down what causes this issue, what it means, and when to call a professional.

Why Your AC Produces Water

Your air conditioner naturally creates water as part of the cooling process. As warm air passes over the evaporator coil, moisture in the air condenses and drips into a drain pan. This water then flows through a condensate drain line and exits safely outside your home.

If water is leaking indoors, something has likely disrupted this drainage process.

Common Causes of an Indoor AC Leak

1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line

The most common cause of water leaks is a clogged drain line. Over time, dirt, dust, and algae can build up inside the line, blocking the water flow. When the drain is obstructed, the water backs up and overflows into your home.

You can sometimes clear minor clogs using a wet/dry vacuum, but if the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional to clean the line thoroughly.

2. Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan

The drain pan beneath the evaporator coil collects condensation before it drains away. If the pan becomes rusted, cracked, or misaligned, water can leak through and cause puddles around your unit.

Drain pans typically last 10–15 years, so if yours is old or damaged, it may need replacement.

3. Frozen Evaporator Coil

When the evaporator coil gets too cold, it can freeze over. Once it starts to thaw, the melting ice can cause water to overflow from the drain pan.

A frozen coil is often caused by:

• Dirty air filters restricting airflow

• Low refrigerant levels

• Blocked vents or registers

  
  

If you notice ice buildup on your unit, turn it off immediately and call a technician. Running the system while frozen can damage the compressor and other components.

4. Dirty or Blocked Air Filter

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow over the evaporator coil, leading to freezing and excess condensation. Checking and replacing your air filter every one to three months helps prevent this issue.

5. Improper Installation

If your AC unit wasn’t installed correctly, it may not be properly leveled. A slight tilt can prevent water from draining correctly, leading to leaks. Professional installation ensures the drain pan and line are positioned at the right angle for smooth water flow.

6. Low Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant causes your AC to work harder and can lead to frozen coils and leaks. You might also notice reduced cooling performance or a hissing sound from the unit. Low refrigerant is a sign of a leak and should always be handled by a licensed HVAC technician.

Dangers of Ignoring a Leak

A leaking air conditioner might seem like a minor nuisance, but ignoring it can lead to bigger problems, including:

• Water damage to floors, walls, or ceilings

• Mold and mildew growth from excess moisture

• Electrical hazards if water reaches wiring or components

• System damage from ongoing strain on components

  
  

Addressing leaks quickly helps prevent expensive repairs and keeps your home safe.

How Professionals Fix an AC Leak

When you call a professional HVAC technician, they’ll inspect your system to identify the root cause. The repair process may include:

• Cleaning or replacing the condensate drain line

• Replacing a damaged drain pan

• Refilling refrigerant levels and repairing leaks

• Cleaning or replacing dirty air filters

• Inspecting and adjusting the installation level

  
  

At Van Bremen’s Heat & Air, our experienced technicians handle AC leaks of all types. We perform a thorough system inspection, fix the issue at its source, and make sure your cooling system operates safely and efficiently again.

Call Today for Expert AC Repair

If your air conditioner is leaking water inside your home, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Call (814) 483-1735 today or fill out our online form to schedule an inspection with Van Bremen’s Heat & Air. Our team will find the cause of the leak, repair it quickly, and ensure your AC system runs reliably all summer long.