Why Is My Air Conditioner Spitting Water?
Suppose you see water collecting around your air conditioning and heating system. In that case, you may ask yourself, “Why is my air conditioning system spitting water?” or, “Why is my furnace leaking water”?
If your air conditioner, outdoor condenser, heating and air conditioning system, HVAC system, or air conditioner spits water in the Dallas, Texas, metroplex, your AC unit needs an AC repair service call.
Putting an end to the leak immediately is very important not only to repair your air conditioning system but also to avoid any additional damage the air conditioner spitting water will do to the interior of your home. Either way, identifying the source of the spitting water is critical to repairing your AC system.
An air conditioning repair technician is trained to troubleshoot an air conditioner spitting water by testing for a clogged drain line, a frozen evaporator coil, a dirty air filter, a dirty evaporator coil, low refrigerant levels, improper air conditioner installation, or even a leaking coil.
Clogged Drainage Line
Properly functioning air conditioners produce condensation as they cool the air in your home, and this moisture is usually collected and drained away in the drain line. Over time, the drain line in your HVAC system can become clogged with dirt, dust, mold growth, algae buildup, and debris.
When the drainage system that carries water from your AC system away from your home becomes clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris, water can back up into the unit and eventually overflow, causing it to spit water. To fix this issue, you must unclog the drain line or have a professional HVAC technician do it.
Dirty Air Filter
Air filters play a critical role in maintaining the efficiency of an air conditioning system. Although the air filter, by nature, restricts airflow to filter out particles and contaminants from the air you breathe, maintaining proper air flow is crucial to a properly functioning AC system.
If the air filter in your HVAC system is dirty or clogged, it can restrict airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze over. When the coil thaws out, you will see your AC is spitting water. Regular cleaning or replacing your residential HVAC air filter can help prevent this from happening.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil in an air conditioning and heating system cools the air by removing heat and humidity. If the airflow over the coil is restricted or the refrigerant levels are imbalanced, the coil can freeze.
When the frozen coil melts, it can cause excess water to accumulate and be spit from the unit. Having an AC repair technician address airflow or refrigerant problems, such as low levels or leaks, can help prevent the evaporator coil from freezing.
Low Refrigerant Levels
If the refrigerant levels in your air conditioner are low, it can cause the evaporator coil to freeze over and eventually thaw out, causing excess water to be produced and split out of the unit. This is a more serious issue requiring a professional AC repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Improper Air Conditioning Installation
If your air conditioner was not installed properly, water could build up in the unit and eventually be spit out. If the unit is not installed with the correct tilt or if the drainage system is not appropriately set up, water can accumulate and be expelled from the unit.
This issue will require a professional to inspect the installation and make any necessary adjustments or repairs. This is just one reason to insist that your HVAC company pulls permits from the local authorities before installing your AC system. A permit will ensure that a city or county inspector will certify that your heating and air conditioning system was properly installed.
A Leaking Coil
The evaporator coil, which is located inside the indoor unit of the air conditioner, is responsible for absorbing heat from the air and cooling it. When the coil becomes damaged or develops a leak, it can cause the refrigerant inside to escape, which can then result in the evaporator coil freezing up. As the ice on the coil begins to melt, it can result in excess water dripping and leaking from the unit.
If you suspect that your air conditioner is leaking due to a leaking coil, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired by a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage and potential safety hazards.
If you are experiencing water spitting from your air conditioner and you are unsure of what is causing the issue, it is recommended to contact a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and resolve the problem. They can identify the underlying cause and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance to ensure your air conditioner operates properly and efficiently.