Water Leaking in an Air Conditioner

Origins of Water

• Air conditioners cool by blowing indoor air across cold coils of copper filled with Freon, which simultaneously cools the air and removes humidity in the air. The humidity in the air condensates on the coils, causing the coils to "sweat" just as a cold glass of water sweats in a hot room. This condensate drips down into a pan and is drained outside the house.

Window Air Conditioners

• Window air conditioners are constructed to have a slight slope away from the house, which allows dripping condensate to accumulate in the condensate pan and then drain safely away from the home. If the air conditioner is installed improperly, or if the pan becomes clogged, water can back up and drip from the front of the unit into the home.

Central Air Conditioners

• Central air conditioners are constructed in much the same way window air conditioners are; their component parts are just separated. The air handler, usually located in your attic, contains the coils and condensate pan. Water drips from the coils into the pan and is taken outside your home by way of a PVC pipe or hose. If the drainpipe, hose or pan becomes clogged or is improperly installed, water can back up into the air handler. Most modern systems have switches that shut the unit off should this occur.

Increased Water Output

• You may notice your air conditioner, whether it is a window or central unit, puts out significantly more water during especially humid days, which is normal as the unit has to remove more water vapor from the air to reduce the indoor humidity to a comfortable level. Ensure the drains are draining properly and the condensate pipe is not clogged. You may want to put a bucket under the drain to capture the water for use in your garden.