Why Is My AC Leaking Water?

You walk outside your home on a hot Twin Cities afternoon, knowing that your air conditioner is hard at work keeping things cool. But then, you spot something strange — your AC unit is leaking water. Don’t panic! While an AC leaking water can seem like a major red flag, it’s often caused by issues that are fixable (and preventable) with a little know-how and the right help. Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on and why your AC might be sweating it.

Common Causes of AC Water Leaks

Air conditioners pull heat and humidity from your indoor air, which naturally creates condensation. Normally, this moisture drains away without any drama. But when something goes wrong, you might find yourself dealing with a mini water hazard outside — or worse, water creeping into your home.

The usual suspects for AC water leaks include:

• Dirty air filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, which may cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Once it melts, you get a puddle.
• Clogged condensate drain line: This little pipe is supposed to carry condensation away from the unit. If it’s blocked, the water has nowhere to go and ends up leaking outside or inside your home.
• Damaged overflow pan: The drain pan catches excess condensation, but over time, it can crack or rust, leading to leaks around your AC unit.
• Frozen evaporator coils: Low airflow or refrigerant issues can cause the coils to freeze. When they thaw, the extra water may overwhelm your AC’s drainage system.
• Low refrigerant levels: If your system’s refrigerant is low, it can lower the pressure and temperature inside the coils, triggering a freeze-and-melt cycle that leads to leakage.
• Improper installation: If your AC unit wasn’t installed with the correct slope or drainage setup, water might not flow where it’s supposed to — and that’s a slippery situation waiting to happen.

Dangers of Ignoring Air Conditioner Leaks

If your AC is running and your home feels good, your instinct may be to shrug off a little water outside the unit. But ignoring an AC unit leaking water can lead to bigger issues. That moisture can damage nearby walls, flooring, or electrical components. Over time, it could even result in mold growth or corrosion inside the unit itself. What starts as a small leak can snowball into a much pricier AC repair if you let it sit for too long.

How To Prevent AC Leaks

Nobody wants to deal with water damage on top of battling the summer heat. Fortunately, most AC water leakage repair issues can be prevented with a little TLC and some regular maintenance. Keep your system in good shape and prevent leaks with these simple tips:

• Replace or clean your air filter regularly: A clean filter keeps airflow steady and helps avoid frozen coils.
• Schedule an AC tune-up once a year: Professional AC maintenance will save you major headaches and money. Trained professionals can spot small issues before they become big problems.
• Keep the area around your outdoor unit clear: Leaves, dirt, and debris can clog components and interfere with drainage.
• Flush your AC drain line: A quick flush with vinegar every few months can help prevent clogs in the condensate line.
• Check the overflow pan: If it looks rusty or cracked, it’s time for a replacement.

Call a Professional To Repair Your AC Leak

If you’re dealing with an air conditioner that’s leaking water, don’t try to DIY your way through it. Water and electricity don’t mix, and misdiagnosing the issue could make things worse. The best way to handle a leak is to call in the best HVAC team in the Twin Cities: Dean’s Home Services! With over 100 combined years of HVAC experience, outrageously professional service, and upfront pricing, our licensed and insured team offers comprehensive AC services to get your unit back on track.

We proudly serve homeowners across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding areas with expert care and same-day service options. From clogged condensate drains and frozen coils to low refrigerant, we’ve seen — and fixed — it all.

Contact Dean’s today to schedule AC repair in the Twin Cities!