Summer in the Hudson Valley of New York can be glorious…that is, until the humidity kicks in. We all count on our A/C systems to keep comfortable, so a cooling equipment problem can become a big deal, quickly. One of the most common calls we get is about excess condensation or water dripping or leaking. Often, it’s an easy fix—but even when it’s not, you can count on Depew Energy’s in-house team of professionals to get you back up and running fast.
These are the most common causes of leaking and dripping:
Over time, dirt and dust passing through the condensate drain line will accumulate and clog the line. Condensation can’t drain and backs up, overflowing out of the air conditioner. Clearing the line involves opening the unit—but that leaking water can damage internal parts. Give us a call to get the job done right.
A dirty air filter forces your AC system to work harder and can cause it to stop working properly. It also will prevent air from flowing over the evaporator coil and cause the evaporator coil to freeze. When the frozen coil melts, the water can cause the pan to overflow. This will also cause the ac unit to leak water.
Changing or cleaning your filters regularly—every 90 days, and more often if you have pets—is the best way to prevent this.
If the leak isn’t due to a dirty filter or clogged drain line, you may be low on refrigerant. When you’re low on refrigerant, the pressure inside your system is low as well. That can cause the evaporator coil to freeze (see above).
In the case of a leak, you may also hear a hissing or bubbling sound. We may be able to add more refrigerant, but if the leak is serious you could have to replace your system.
Of course, the best way to avoid a major A/C meltdown is to schedule seasonal maintenance. Regular maintenance keeps your system running at peak efficiency, so your home stays cooler—all while saving you money. Our technicians are skilled at catching small problems and fixing them before they lead to an expensive system breakdown. Ask us about our cooling system service plans! They include seasonal maintenance, priority service if you do need a repair, plus a discount on parts and labor.
And, if you have a problem that you can’t—or don’t want to—tackle yourself, we’re at your service. Our trained technicians will find the root of the issue and address it completely the first time. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment today.