Aircon Water Leak? 5 Reasons why your aircon is leaking water
In Singapore, where it’s hot and rainy a lot of the time, air conditioners are something most of us can’t do without. They keep our homes and offices cool and comfortable. But, nothing is more annoying than finding out your air conditioner is leaking water. This is a common problem here, and it’s more than just an annoyance. A leaking AC can damage your place and make the air conditioner work poorly.
Why do air conditioners start leaking water, anyway? It could be for a few different reasons. In this guide, we’re going to talk about why this happens and what you can do about it. We’ll show you how to spot the signs of a leak, how to keep it from happening, and how to fix it. By the end, you’ll know just what to do to keep your air conditioner running well, so you can stay cool and dry in Singapore’s weather.
Why Does My Aircon Water Leak?
Improper Installation
When your air conditioner isn’t installed correctly, it’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—it just won’t work right. An AC unit needs to be perfectly balanced and all its parts correctly connected. If it’s not, water may not drain properly and start leaking inside your home. That’s why getting a professional to install your AC is crucial. They make sure everything is set up just right, so you don’t face leaks or other problems down the line.
Clogged Drain Line
A clogged drain line is the main cause of an aircon water leak. The drain line of your AC unit is like a tiny road that water travels through to get out of your system. But, just like roads can get blocked by dirt and rubbish, your AC’s drain line can get clogged with dust, dirt, and even algae. When this happens, water has nowhere to go but back where it came from, leading to leaks. To prevent this, it’s essential to clean the drain line regularly. A bit of maintenance can keep the water flowing freely and your AC working perfectly.
Improper Installation
Your aircon cools your home by passing air over evaporator coils. But if there’s not enough refrigerant or if the airflow is poor, these coils can freeze. Then, when they start to melt, water leaks out. You might notice your AC struggling to cool or ice forming on the outside. These are signs you shouldn’t ignore. Getting your AC checked and fixed early can stop leaks and save you from bigger problems.
Damaged Drain Pan
The drain pan catches condensation from your AC. But over time, especially in older units, it can get rusty or crack, letting water escape. Checking your drain pan each year and replacing it if it’s damaged is a good way to keep leaks at bay. Think of it like changing the batteries in a smoke detector—it’s a simple step that can prevent bigger issues. This scenario could happen if you recently had a bad servicing, and the previous technician might have accidentally damaged the drain, leading to an aircon water leak
Clogged air filter
A clean air filter is like a breath of fresh air for your AC. It lets air flow smoothly over the evaporator coils, keeping everything working as it should. But when the filter gets dirty, it can block the airflow, causing those coils to freeze and, later, leak water as they thaw. Changing your air filter regularly (every few months or as recommended) can prevent this problem. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to keep your AC running well and leak-free.
Keeping your air conditioner in tip-top shape doesn’t just help avoid water leaks; it also ensures it runs efficiently, keeping your home cool and your energy bills down. Regular checks and maintenance can save you a lot of trouble and expense in the long run.
Preventive Measures and Maintenance Tips
Taking proactive steps to maintain your air conditioner not only helps prevent an aircon water leak but also ensures it operates efficiently, providing cool, comfortable air throughout Singapore’s hot and humid months. Here’s a detailed look at some essential preventive measures and maintenance tips:
Scheduling Regular Service Checks
In Singapore, it’s standard practice—and often a clause in rental agreements—that air conditioners be serviced every three months. This isn’t just a random rule; it’s a crucial step in ensuring your AC unit functions optimally year-round. Regular service checks by a professional air conditioning servicing company can catch issues like potential leaks, dirty filters, or other problems before they escalate. These checks typically include cleaning the system, checking for any parts that need repair or replacement, and ensuring everything is running smoothly. Adhering to this schedule not only keeps your AC in top condition but can also save you from unexpected repair costs and the inconvenience of a malfunctioning unit.
If your aircon has been having leaking issues, and you haven’t been servicing it regularly, it might be time to do so. Book an appointment here and our experienced technicians will help to service and clean your air conditioning units, ensuring you have cool, fresh, non-leaky aircon units to survive the heat in Singapore.
Regularly Replacing/Cleaning Air Filters
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your air conditioner running efficiently is to regularly replace or clean its air filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow, leading to a host of problems, including frozen evaporator coils that can cause water leaks as they thaw. For most households, changing the air filter every three months is a good rule of thumb, though you may need to do it more frequently if you have pets or if the AC is used extensively. Regular filter maintenance ensures better air quality in your home and helps prevent water leak issues.
Ensuring the AC Unit is Properly Installed and Leveled
A properly installed and leveled aircon unit is important to prevent an aircon water leak. From the get-go, ensure that your air conditioning system is installed by a reputable and experienced professional. An improperly leveled unit can lead to drainage issues, causing water to leak inside rather than being expelled outside. If you’ve moved into a place with an existing AC unit, it doesn’t hurt to have a professional check that it’s been installed correctly and is functioning as it should.
Cleaning the Drain Line Periodically
The drain line plays a vital role in removing the condensation produced by your air conditioner. Over time, this line can become clogged with dirt, dust, and algae, leading to backups and water leaks. Periodically cleaning the drain line is essential to prevent these clogs. This can often be done during your regular service checks, but you can also take measures to clean it yourself or call in professionals if you suspect a blockage between service visits.
Implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of water leaks from your air conditioner, ensuring it continues to provide efficient cooling without the hassle of unexpected repairs. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your AC unit but also supports optimal performance, keeping your home comfortable even in the peak of Singapore’s heat.
When to Call a Professional
While regular maintenance can prevent many issues, there are times when only a professional can properly diagnose and fix your air conditioner’s problems. Knowing when to call in the experts is key to preventing further damage to your unit or property. Here are signs that it’s time to get professional help:
- Persistent Water Leaks: If your air conditioner continues to leak water despite your best efforts to clean and maintain it, there might be a deeper issue at play. Persistent leaks can lead to property damage and may indicate a serious problem within the unit.
- Ice Formation on Coils: Ice on the evaporator coils is a sign of airflow issues or low refrigerant levels, both of which require professional attention.
- Strange Noises or Smells: Unusual sounds or odors coming from your AC unit can be symptoms of internal problems. These issues won’t just go away and usually worsen over time.
- Inefficient Cooling: If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your space as effectively as it used to, it could be due to a variety of issues that a professional can diagnose and resolve.
Don’t hesitate to call in a professional air conditioning servicing company when you notice these signs. Expert diagnosis and repair are crucial in preventing further damage and ensuring your unit operates efficiently.
Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the common causes of water leaks from air conditioners, from improper installation to dirty air filters, and outlined preventive measures to help you avoid these issues. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning your AC’s drain line and replacing air filters, plays a vital role in keeping your unit functioning properly. However, understanding when to call in a professional is equally important to ensure any underlying issues are addressed before they lead to further damage.
Promptly addressing water leaks and other AC problems not only protects your property from damage but also ensures your living or working environment remains comfortable and healthy. Taking proactive steps to maintain your air conditioning unit, and knowing when to seek professional assistance, can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
Call us today for an appointment
Is your air conditioner leaking water, not cooling properly, or showing signs of distress? Don’t wait for the issue to escalate. Contact our professional air conditioning servicing company today for a comprehensive inspection, maintenance, or repair service. Our team of experienced technicians is equipped to diagnose and resolve any AC problem, ensuring your unit runs smoothly and efficiently. Call us or use our booking form to schedule a service. Take the first step towards a cooler, more comfortable home or office today! You may check our pricing page here as well
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