Why Is Water Dripping From Your AC Vent? Here’s How To Fix It

By Aztil – July 18, 2022

Why is Water Dripping from Air Vents?

A few different things can cause water to drip from your air vents. The most common causes include:

9 Causes of Water Dripping From Your AC Vent?

Having leaks anywhere in your home is never a good sign. That also applies to seeing any water dripping from your AC vent .

Whatever the cause may be, it’s best to start immediately and find out what the issue is until it becomes a bigger problem than it already is.

Thankfully, when it comes to AC systems, it could be something you can fix yourself if you know what to look for.

So, here are the common reasons why water might be dripping from your AC vent, along with some easy fixes you can do to stop it.

Reason #1. Plumbing or roof leak

When you spot water dripping from your AC vent, we bet that your first thought is that it’s a problem with your AC system. Before you troubleshoot any further, it might be a good idea to first rule out plumbing or roof leaks.

In reality, it’s not uncommon to find a roof leak above your duct that has made its way into your system and subsequently, into your AC vent.

Reason #2: Poor HVAC Installation

If you just got your brand new AC system installed and it’s already leaking, keep calm and contact the person/s who installed it.

It could simply be the case of the unit or the drain pan tilting slightly to the side, which causes the condensation collected inside the unit to drip.

For those of you who had the system for a while, read on to find out other probable causes.

Reason #3. Air leak around the vent

Most commonly, water dripping from your AC vent results from leaky air vents. If the air is escaping around the grates of your AC vents, it will cause a buildup of condensation that will inevitably start dripping all over the place.

You can test if this is the case by feeling for any air coming out of the sides of the air vent. If the air comes from anywhere besides the grates, you’ve found the cause of your problems.

The fix is straightforward: get some caulk and seal those air leaks.

Reason #4. Dirty air filter

Dirty air filters can mess up the regular operation of your AC. As you may already know, condensation ends up in a dripping pan. However, dirty air filters can cause the water to freeze over the evaporator coils.

How does that lead to water dripping from the AC vent?

Well, once you turn off your AC, that layer of ice will start melting and subsequently draining from your vents.

You can fix this problem by swapping out the air filter. We also recommend melting the ice on your coils with a hair dryer to help the unit return to peak performance as quickly as possible.

Reason #5. Rusted drip pan

If swapping out the filter didn’t help, maybe the dripping pan is to blame for all that water coming from your AC vent. Power off and remove the unit’s access panel and check the state of the drip pan. If it’s rusted, you should replace it.

Once your new drip pan arrives, you’ll have to disconnect the old one from the drain line with a pair of pliers. Next, you should unscrew or unclip the pan and carefully lift it out.

The good news is that installing the new one is the reverse process, so it can be done real quick.

An important thing to note is that if your drip pan is welded instead of screwed on, you likely need to call an HVAC professional.

Reason #6. Uninsulated air ducts

Do your air ducts run through your attic? If they do, remember that most attic spaces are either poorly insulated or not insulated at all. Again, this can cause excess condensation that will leak through your air vents.

First, remove the grating from the air vents and check the status of your insulation. If you don’t see any or if the existing one has heavily deteriorated, go to your nearest and dearest home improvement store and pick up some R-11 fiberglass batt insulation.

The rest of the remedy is pretty simple: just wrap the air duct insulation around your ductwork and voila, you’ll stop the water dripping from your AC vent.

Reason #7. Clogged condensate drain line

Without proper maintenance, different components of your AC system can get dirty or clogged. Because the condensate drain line is outside of your home, the problem can get out of hand fairly quickly.

Maybe it got clogged with debris, dirt, mildew, or all kinds of critters that are just looking for a home.

To unclog it, you can manually remove a part of the debris and then top it off with a distilled vinegar solution. However, we recommend using a powerful shop vacuum to clear even the most hardcore debris out there.

Reason #8. Refrigerant leak

This one can be a bit tricky. If you see water dripping from your AC vent combined with bad cooling performance or decreased airflow, chances are you’ve got a refrigerant leak on your hands.

Unfortunately, exposing yourself to refrigerants can be very harmful so we don’t recommend tackling this problem alone. Since your safety is a top priority, you should let professionals deal with this serious issue.

Reason #9. Malfunctioning condensate pump

A condensate pump is responsible for collecting the water and pumping it outside. So if you’ve tried everything and there’s still water dripping from the AC vent, then this gizmo is the most likely culprit.

What you need to do is locate the pump and find a float switch. Play around with it until you manage to engage the pump. You might free up the switch that’s stuck due to dirt or scum buildup. If the switch is not very consistent, you can use bleach to clear out the bucket.

If the pump still isn’t working, it likely is beyond saving. You can replace it yourself but it might be more simple to contact a professional.

How to Stop Water Dripping From Air Vents

Water dripping from air vents can be a trouble, potentially inflicting damage to your house and interfering with the overall performance of your HVAC machine. To restoration this problem, start checking the air conditioner for clogged or clogged ducts. Make positive the condensate drainage line is clear and free of debris, to make certain right drainage.

Also, consider insulation to save you condensation. Proper insulation facilitates adjust the temperature and decreases the probabilities of water droplets forming on the vents. In addition, changing the humidity in your home can lessen the amount of excess moisture inside the air, lowering the probabilities of condensation.

Routine preservation, which includes cleansing air filters, and scheduling proper HVAC inspections are essential to prevent leaks. Fixing any leaks or issues quick can guard against water harm and enhance the performance of your HVAC system, developing a pleasant, dry indoor surroundings.

A helping hand

In cases where there is water dripping from your AC vent, you can fix the issue yourself by swapping out the filter or getting caulk from Home Depot. However, some problems are a bit more challenging.

For anything that seems outside your skill level, we recommend you find an HVAC professional to save yourself some serious time.

Contact Aztil ACif you need 24/7 emergency services at an affordable price. We’re available around the clock in Palm Beach, FL, and we also provide regular maintenance if you want to make sure your AC keeps you cool all summer long.

Call 561-559-2205 , or send an email to info@aztilac.com .

What Our Clients Think Of Us

Excellent

Aztil Air Conditioning

Based on 1334 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Wendy Phillips

Jorge and Dave we’re extremely professional. The AC installation was done quickly and meticulously. I can’t recommend them enough!

I also want to give a shout out to Paul Gross. He was my initial contact with Aztil. He explained all my options to me and suggested the best unit for my home. Paul was able to get me a great price and I’m very grateful for his advice.

David Loder

Jeanne M Rougeau

Dana, my service tech did an amazing job to keep my AC up and running. He contacted me on his i, and was here in a flash.

He also updated me on the condition of the AC for the future, made some recommendations for me to consider.

Keep Dana on my service list and THANK YOU DANA!!!!

Response from the owner:Hi Jeanne, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Pat Evans

Dana did a excellent job. He listened as to what was wrong as if he really cared. I would reccommend him to anyone. Very nice and respectable and he knew what he was doing.

Response from the owner:Hi Pat, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

E. R.

Niko was excellent. Very happy with his service. Explained everything and was very professional.

Yesterday no ac!! Yikes. Dana was the technician who did not leave our house until he discovered and fixed the problem. Believe me, he missed dinner and this was a Friday night. Couldn’t be happier. Dana was so professional and knowledgeable. So happy we bought from Aztil and have a service contract with them. If you ever think it’s not worth having the service contract in case of emergency, when you have no ac and it’s sweltering outside, you will be so happy you made a smart decision! Thank you Dana and Aztil.

Response from the owner:Hi E. R., thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Michael Scheps

Ramon was very thorough.

Response from the owner:Hi Michael, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Ramon did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Erlene Ratz

Rafael
Was very informative, polite, and to the point in explaining warranty information, and what parts was needed for my air conditioner.

I look forward yo his next visit in 6 months.
Keeps us up to date.

Response from the owner:Hi Erlene, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Rafael did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Michael Stein

Ramon did an excellent job in servicing my air conditioners. He also called the office to get the permit issue resolved. He informed me that Aztil was recently sold and he is enthusiastic about the new management. I also see an improvement in the communication in the past month.

Response from the owner:Hi Michael, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're glad to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We pride ourselves on our knowledgeable staff, and it's great to know that Aztil was able to provide you with such great service. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!

Chris

The service tech Ramon did an excellent job doing maintenance on my ac and fixed my plaster on top of the ac unit!! Highly recommend!!!!

Response from the owner:Hi Chris, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Ramon did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Evee

I scheduled a routine check up and Cody came to my home. He was so knowledgable and found issues with AC and fixed them on the spot. He also found a major issue on my roof and I immediately called the HOA. I will definitely be asking him to come back for my next check up

Excellent Customer service Kudos Cody !!

Response from the owner:Hi Evee, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Cody did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Brett Burkey

I appreciate the online appointment system and the follow up communication until the Tech arrives. Dana, the technician on my job was terrific. He was very thorough and courteous, willing to answer all of my questions with clarity. The only thing that keeps me from awarding a 5 was the price. The service was very satisfying and Dana was exemplary.

Response from the owner:Hi Brett, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Benjamin Stebor

Cody did an excellent job. He finished in a timely manner and answered the questions I asked him.

Response from the owner:Hi Benjamin, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Cody did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Elizabeth Bewley

I scheduled a routine check-up. Aztil canceled on me and the next appointment was 3 weeks later, so I was not happy about that. However, when my technician Ramon showed up, he was very thorough and efficient. He explained what he was doing and made good suggestions to maintain my AC. I was very happy with his work.

Response from the owner:Hi Elizabeth, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Ramon did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Cheryl Feldman

Dana came to my house today. So impressed! He was courteous and knowledgeable. Fixed the problem quickly! Five stars!.

Response from the owner:Dear Cheryl Feldman, thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with Dana. We're delighted to hear that he provided courteous and knowledgeable service while fixing the problem efficiently. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we appreciate your five-star rating. If you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Susan Movizzo

Albert Rodriquez was through and professional. Great service

Response from the owner:Hi Susan, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Albert did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

ALEJANDRO MAC LEAN

Great job by Barreto

Response from the owner:Hi Alejandro, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Asiel did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Denise Goffman

Michael was amazing today on our emergency air conditioning needs. He went above and beyond to accomplish getting our unit up and running!!!

Response from the owner:Hi Denise, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Michael did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Kerry Humes

Ramon was amazing !!!! Awesome job !!!

Response from the owner:Hi Kerry, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Ramon did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Doris Campbell

Response from the owner:Hi Doris, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Susan Leigh

Ramon Serpa is the best! He performed the maintenance check on my A/C and when I told him about my husband’s allergy problems, he suggested UV lights which would improve the air quality. He installed these for me explaining the process in detail. He is the best technician we have ever had with Aztil.

Response from the owner:Hi Susan, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Ramon did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

RALPH D'ELIA

I've been using Aztil for over 20 years across 4 homes in Florida. From general services to complete A/C replacements, I wouldn't trust anyone else. My recent service in Port St. Lucie with Nico was excellent and he was very helpful in going over all of my HVAC system and answered a few questions I had.
I highly recommend Aztil for any HVAC issues or general maintenance.

Response from the owner:Hi Ralph, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Jessica Maxson

I cannot speak highly enough of our super kind technician, Randy, who came out to assess our AC today. Randy took the time to walk us through photos of the issues in our AC and offered to take care of it ASAP as he already had the parts in his truck - LOVE the preparedness! Aztil Air Conditioning is superior and we will request Randy on a go forward basis.

UPDATE 6/17/25 - Exceptional Service from True Professionals - Highly Recommend!

We recently had our ducts cleaned and sealed, plus our dryer vent serviced by Jordan and Hero from Aztil Air Conditioning, and I cannot say enough good things about their work. From the moment they arrived, these two demonstrated exactly what professional service should look like.

What impressed us most was their commitment to education - they took the time to walk both my husband and me through every step of the process, explaining not just what they were doing, but why it mattered for our home's efficiency and air quality. It's rare to find technicians who are so patient and thorough in their explanations.

Beyond their technical expertise, Jordan and Hero showed genuine respect for our home and our comfort level throughout the entire job. They worked with care and consideration, treating our space as if it were their own. As homeowners, we've all had those experiences where workers leave you feeling uneasy - this was the complete opposite. We felt completely at ease having them in our home.

Their professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail set them apart in an industry where those qualities aren't always guaranteed. If you're looking for HVAC services you can trust, don't hesitate to call Aztil Air Conditioning. Jordan and Hero will take excellent care of you and your home.

Five stars - we'll definitely be calling them for any future needs!

Response from the owner:Thank you Jessica for your positive feedback. I'm glad you were happy with the support we provided. Please keep us in mind for any HVAC needs.

Hal Braxton

Rick was terrific. Knowledgeable fast, courteous. We hope if we need a/c work, he's the one who comes out.

Response from the owner:Hi Hal, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Rick did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Judy D

Very professional, knowledgeable, and accomplished the tasks requested..Would recommend to others.

Response from the owner:Hi Judy, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

mark marcil

Jordan was excellant. Went above and beyond listening and talking me through everything.

Response from the owner:Hi Mark, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Jordan did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Stephen Atria

Thank you Alex who diagnosed my AC issue quickly,! your superior technical skills and customer service have not gone unnoticed. Alex made my experience a pleasant one, even though my AC motor went and it needs to be ordered, the good news is it’s under warranty🤷🏼‍♂️

Response from the owner:Hi Stephen, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Alex did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Helen Kraft

Today I had a repair/replacement done by Alex Molina
Alex is knowledgeable and explains what has to be done and it will be done
He is very polite, cleans up after himself and never complained about being in the sun for the number of hours that he had to be there to work
If anybody needs work and is lucky enough for Alex Molina to be your tech all will be done right
Thank you, Alex

Response from the owner:Hi Helen, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Alex did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

John Izsak

On the ball. Courteous and efficient. Initially forgot to install cement pad, but did so when deficiency pointed out to him. Generally very pleased.

Response from the owner:Hi John, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Wendy Kozlow

Michael King gave me outstanding service for a recent maintenance visit. He is informative, polite and above all professional. He answered all my questions and gave me good tips for ongoing maintenance.

Response from the owner:Hi Wendy, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Michael did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Sharon Morella

Response from the owner:Hi Sharon, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Nancy Veras

Good job

Response from the owner:Hi Nancy, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

fjoe270 FISCHER

They were excellent

Response from the owner:Hi fjoe270, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Norman Abrams

Response from the owner:Hi Norman, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Diana Martinez

Alez molina was excellent! Kind, proficient and efficient. Worked quickly. Am so grateful.

Response from the owner:Hi Diana, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Alex did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Lisa Haber

Jordan & Herolson did a great job cleaning my ductwork. They arrived on time, were very nice, polite & efficient. Jordan explained everything clearly. They cleaned up thoroughly when they were done. The popcorn from my ceilings was everywhere, but they took care of it. Five stars.

Response from the owner:Hi Lisa thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Jordan and Hero did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Debra Johnson

Niko is always a competent , pleasant professional who assists me with my air conditioning units.

AZTIL responds to my calls in a timely manner.

Response from the owner:Hi Debra, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Carol Perrine

Jordan an hero where effective angel. They explained evdrthing and extremely pleasant

Response from the owner:Hi Carol, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Jordan did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Karen Ponder

Tino was friendly, professional and very helpful

Response from the owner:Hi Karen, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Tino did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Mel Shulman

Dana was great!! Suggested a cut off switch to stop the water backup
Installed it right away

Response from the owner:Hi Mel, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Susan Kryl

Aztil is always so reliable.
Dana came today, diagnosed my A/C problem and took care of right away.
Terrific service! Thank you, Dana!

Response from the owner:Hi Susan, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Virginia Pacelli

Best workers, Jordan,and Hero.

Response from the owner:Hi Virginia, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Jordan and Hero did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Jacob Lepoff

Thanks to Aztil AC! One of our A/C units broke down unexpectedly, and Anthony got Lazaro out to us right away the next morning. Lazaro was excellent and he found the problem with our unit very quickly. We really appreciate their quick action and professional expertise. Outstanding service from start to finish!

Response from the owner:Hi Jake, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Anthony and Lazaro did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Justin Lazzara

Just has Dana come as soon as Aztil can get there team there for our family. Dana was friendly, professional and knew his stuff.

Response from the owner:Hi Justin, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Dana did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Cari Adamonis

The AC maintenance service was excellent. Niko Garza was professional, helpful, kind, and was instrumental in arranging for the next Senior Technician to solve the AC problem that I am having. That service will be sometime today. He also recommended the dryer vent cleaning and the in-line AC cleaning, of which I scheduled for Monday and paid today. My husband has been very ill for the past 4 years and in the hospital right now. Aztil has arranged the services, after Niko explained the situation, so that they will be completed before he comes home because a patient on oxygen and a feeding tube cannot be without power to the whole house, even a short shut down would endanger him. Thank you Niko!

Technician Rick Cochran did an excellent job replacing the AC breaker and ensuring that everything was in correct working condition. I really appreciated his kindness and professional demeanor. Thank you Rick!

Today Technician Alex Molina completed the services (dryer lint trap cleaning and inline air handler cleaning). Once again, I was fortunate to have a professional, gracious, and thoughtful person come to my house to perform the services. Thank you so much Alex!

June 2 2025 Thank you Cody! It is a relief to finally have the A/C back to what it should be. The replacement of the coil is probably what was needed a month ago. Rather than dwell on what was, I truly appreciate the replacement service and how kind you were to a grieving widow.

Response from the owner:Hi Admonis, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Niko did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Don Walling

Angel and his crew

Response from the owner:Hi Don, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Angel did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

David Schwarz

Tino Costanzo did an excellent job. Extremely helpful in adding to the efficiency of the operation of our air conditioning unit.

Response from the owner:Hi David, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Tino did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Walter Grimsley

This is the second time Michael King has serviced my AC for AZTIL. He is always pleasant and courteous. He explains all he does to the unit and answers all questions I may have. He is very thorough. Great asset to the company. The trainee (Skyler) with him today has a very good teacher and seems to be on his way to being a positive service tech.

Response from the owner:Hi Walter, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Michael and Skyler did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Steven Pyenson

Response from the owner:Hi Steven, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad to hear that Aztil did an excellent job and that you were pleased with the outcome. Thank you for being a valued customer.

Join The Club

Request more information by filling out the form below to learn about our Elite Cool Membership Program.

Our Partners