Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Why Is There Water Surrounding My Air Conditioning Unit?

When the heat of summer is at its zenith, you really don’t want to face discomfort just because your air conditioning system has developed a problem of some kind. The fact of the matter, though, is that your AC, like any other mechanical system, is not 100% reliable. At some point, it is very likely that you are going to encounter an operational problem of some kind with your AC.

One situation that we encounter from time to time is a “water leak” in an air conditioner. That description is a bit misleading, however, as your air conditioner does not actually use water in its operation. That does not mean that you are imagining the problem, though. 

So Where Is the Water Coming From?

“Okay,” you may be wondering. “There is no water in my air conditioner, and it is not an appliance connected to the plumbing. So where is this water coming from?” The origin point of that water is actually the air itself.

You see, your air conditioner draws moisture out of the air as it cools it. This moisture collects on the evaporator coil as condensation. That condensation is removed from your home via a condensate drain pan and drain line. If that pan is misaligned or cracked, or the drain line is leaking, the water can wind up pooling around your indoor AC unit.

Another potential cause of your water issue is defrosting ice. While your air conditioner is obviously there to cool your home, it should not generate ice. Ice can develop on the evaporator coil, though, if you have a very dirty air filter that is restricting airflow over the coil, or if refrigerant levels are low due to a leak. When the ice melts, it can wind up spilling out of the system.

If you need any AC services in Fort Collins, CO, contact the pros here at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

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