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Leaking air conditioner: What to do?

A look at possible causes for a leaking air conditioner and how to handle it.

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A leaking air conditioner can cause quite a mess. Photo by Kamikaze Stoat on FlickrLeaks are one of the most common air conditioner problems, but they are relatively easy to fix. Two kinds of leaks can occur in air conditioners: water leaks and refrigerant leaks. If you have a leaking air conditioner, you can repair it by following the instructions below.

Water leaks in air conditioners

If your air conditioner is leaking water, the problem is either caused by improper installation or drain blockage. Improper installation can cause many air conditioning problems, and you may or may not be able to correct it on your own, depending on what kind of air conditioner you have.

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If your air conditioner is an HVAC or central AC unit, it is best to contact the contractor who installed the unit or a new contractor. If the contractor installed the unit incorrectly, you should not have to pay anything to get your leaking air conditioner fixed.

On the other hand, if you have a window air conditioner and you installed it yourself, check to see if the front is higher than the back. This can cause moisture to drain away from the unit, causing water leaks. To fix the problem, you may have to install the air conditioner again or just correct its position. Make sure it is level from the front to the back this time.

Drain blockage occurs when the drains, condensers, fans or other parts of the air conditioner are clogged by dirt, debris, weeds, garbage or other things. Check the components of the unit to find out whether or not they are blocked. If they are, just remove the things that are blocking them, and your air conditioner will stop leaking.

Refrigerant leaks in air conditioners

If your AC is leaking refrigerant, it will not work efficiently. This problem cannot be solved by just adding refrigerant. The best way to fix it is to get a trained technician to repair the leaks and charge the unit with the right amount of refrigerant. In order for an air conditioner to function properly, the refrigerant charge must be exactly the same as the recommended amount stated in the manufacturer's specifications.

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Many other factors can result in a leaking air conditioner, and some of them can only be repaired by a professional. If you are looking for a home cooling professional in your area to repair your air conditioner or one to install a new air conditioner, click here for quotes. We can help you connect with professionals who can fix a leaking air conditioner.

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Photo credit: Kamikaze Stoat via Compfight CC.