Air conditioning units can be complicated. So it’s no surprise that many homeowners have a number of questions about their AC units.
“Why is my air conditioner blowing out water?” is a common question homeowners ask themselves. Well, like most other gadgets, your AC unit is prone to occasional problems, this being one of them. And, it’s nothing to get your head spinning with worry.
However, it’s also an issue that needs to be addressed as soon as it’s noticed to avoid more complications with the unit. But before anything else, it’s good to understand why your AC unit is behaving that way, and what you should do when it happens.
So, why is your air conditioner blowing water?
Let’s dive right in;
Main Causes of Water Blowing out of Air Conditioner
To answer our main question, “why is my air conditioner blowing out water?” let’s look at several possible causes.
- Blocked Condensate Drain Line
If water is being blown out of your AC, the first thing to check is the condensate drain line. It’s more than probable that it’s the cause.
When your AC is operational, the evaporator coils are designed to absorb heat out of the air. This is the start of air cooling in your house, resulting in that cool breeze you know and love.
During this process, the evaporator condenses a lot of moisture, forming a condensate stored in a condensate pan. This water will travel via a drain line system, to be discharged outside. But, this process might not always be smooth.
Sometimes, dust and other disturbing particles will accumulate inside the condensate pan. Of course, these particles will start flowing out through the condensate drain line, and the passage will long be clogged. Consequently, the condensate water will start to build up until it is blown out of the registers or vents by the AC fan.
The same thing happens whenever your drain line is damaged. If it is crushed, the water does not flow out properly.
- Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Dirty filters can be another reason your air conditioner is blowing water. The air filter is a tiny component of your AC, but it plays an integral role in running your system smoothly. Its main purpose is to trap all the dirt and dust particles coming into your house via the air.
Whenever the air passes through it, dust and dirt gather. If not replaced in time, it restrains airflow, eventually causing the evaporator coils to freeze. When this water defrosts, it overflows in the drain pan, which might also bring water leaks.
You can solve this by cleaning and replacing the filters frequently hence improving the overall performance of your unit. It also prolongs the lifespan of your AC. If you reside in dusty environments, it is advisable to clean your filters after two weeks.
When it comes to replacement, pleated ones should be done after three months while flat ones after a month.
- Frozen Coils
Frozen evaporator coils are a common headache for most air conditioner owners. When the ice melts, water begins to drip from the front side of your AC. This will result in water being blown out of the AC through the vents.
The only way to solve this calamity is by hiring the services of a technician to fix the issue. Here are some of the potential reasons why your evaporator coils freeze:
- Low Refrigerant Levels
If the refrigerant charge is too low, your AC will automatically blow water. If these levels do not match the manufacturer’s specifications, the performance of your AC will be affected.
Generally, with low refrigerant levels, your AC tends to overwork to keep your indoors cool. As a result, the condensate on the coils might freeze. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that your AC’s refrigerant levels are correct.
If you don’t know how to determine the correct refrigerant levels, simply contact an HVAC expert. They will assess and refill it if required.
- Cold Weather
During the winter months, the evaporator coils normally freeze. Your AC’s temperature is usually 62° F (16° C). This temperature leads to water leakages from your AC since you should not use them in the cold months.
- Faulty Blower Fan
The result of a faulty blower fan is freezing, which causes your AC to blow water. Hire a licensed professional to fix this menace.
They will diagnose what the problem is, and if need be, they may replace the blower fan.
- Improper Installation
When there is a poor installation of the AC, its angle and placement are not leveled. A poor installation causes air compressor damage, leaky air ducts, and low air circulation. The common indicators of a badly installed AC include poor cooling performance, electrical issues, and water leaks. This is why having a professional work on your AC installation is crucial.
Place the AC 3 to 4 inches above the floor to install it properly. It should also be on a slightly slanted position or leveled surface. Once you install it properly, your AC should no longer blow water.
How to Fix an AC that is Blowing Water?
To fix the problems mentioned above, you should do the following;
- Add Refrigerant to your Unit
If you are experiencing a water problem with your AC due to the refrigerant levels, consider adding more to your unit. And since this is a complex procedure, reach out for an HVAC expert’s assistance.
Suppose there is a refrigerant leak in your AC, it would help if you sorted out leaks before your AC can start functioning once more.
- Check Your Temperature Settings
You can always adjust your temperature settings during cold months. It will make the AC not work as hard as it usually does, hence preventing the freezing problem.
Furthermore, you can invest in a programmable thermostat. It will assist you in regulating the AC settings. And, it will also manage when or not to operate it.
- Clean or Replace Your Air Filters
As mentioned earlier, it is important to clean or replace your air filters regularly. Ensure that both of these processes (cleaning or replacing) are done by a trained, experienced technician.
- Service Your AC Unit
If your AC is still blowing water after doing all these things, it is time to get it serviced. The problem might be bigger than you think. Once a technician looks at it, they will be able to tell where the problem lies and what approach should be taken in order to deal with it.
An AC that blows water is extremely annoying (besides working inefficiently and damaging your home). The good thing is that half of these problems; you can fix them.
As a reminder, always reach out for help, as a professional will be able to provide invaluable insight. Finally, the question, “why is my AC blowing water?”, will be a thing of the past.
A functional air conditioner means happier days for you and your loved ones.