Those drops of water falling from the AC vent may look like a small issue, but the reality is that this seemingly insignificant problem can have big repercussions. They are a health hazard as moisture propagates the growth of mold, rust, and micro-organisms. Additionally, it can also cause damage to the floor, walls, and other items kept where the water is dripping. In short, you cannot overlook the damage to property. Now that you know, Ac vent leaking water is not something you should ignore, let’s try to understand what causes the water to leak from the AC vents.
What Is An AC Vent?
“Vent” is a term that encompasses all the supply and return air sources that are associated with your central air conditioning unit. However, in context to this article, AC vents are those openings through which the AC sends in cool air inside your home. These are usually installed on the ceiling or wall of the room.
Why Does AC Vent Leak Water?
To understand why AC vents leak, you need to understand the basic working of the air conditioner. An air conditioner absorbs the warm moist air inside your home and makes it cool by passing it over the chilled evaporator coils. When the air passes over the coils, the moisture settles over them as condensate and drips into the drip pan. Attached to the drip pan is a drip line that flushes out the collected water.
When any problem arises in the above function, it can cause water droplets to drip from the AC vents. Regular periodic maintenance ensures that such an occurrence does not happen.
Causes Of Water Dripping From AC Vents
We just mentioned that a problem in the basic cooling function could result in dripping vents. So, let’s have a look at the most common causes.
1. Damaged Drain Pan – With time, the drain pan gets damaged due to corrosion or continuous use. It develops holes or cracks because of which it is unable to hold water anymore. In the absence of a place where the condensate can collect, it drips down the vents. The only solution is to either fix the cracks or replace the drain pan. It is advisable that you replace the drain pan if it is damaged as it will give you longer relief from dripping water.
2. Clogged Drain Line – The water is collected in the drain pan, but the drain line or the drainpipe is clogged. It results in the accumulation of water until it overflows and starts dripping from the vents. Mold, mildew, dust, debris or sludge accumulations in the drainpipe can block it completely. The drain line becoming clogged is normal and inevitable. However, using warm water and a bleach solution and a vacuum cleaner, the accumulations can be easily flushed out. Also, cleaning of drainpipe will be taken care of in the periodic maintenance of your AC.
3. Fault In Sump Pump – You cleaned the AC drain line, and still, there is water accumulated in the drain pan. It indicates a problem with the sump pump. The condensate pump usually has a float valve or switch that turns the pump on when water reaches a fixed level. The switch may have become jammed because of limescale buildup or scum. Try manipulating it to get it free and see if it works. If it does, clean the buildup around the switch for better performance. If that does not work, call your HVAC technician as the chances are that you may have to replace the sump pump.
4. Frozen Evaporator Coils Due To Low Refrigerant – Many times, the evaporator coils freeze. When that happens, the water droplets freeze and ice builds up over them. When the AC has switched off, this ice melts and drips down your AC vents. In order to fix the dripping water issue, you need to fix the frozen coils. Usually, it happens because of the low refrigerant level in the AC. In an ideal situation, there should be no ice formation anywhere in your AC. Call your local HVAC company to fix this problem. They will top up the refrigerant and fix leaks, if any, to prevent any further refrigerant loss. As soon as it gets resolved, the water leaking down your vents too shall stop.
5. Air Leakage Around Vents – Ideally, the cool air should flow into your home through the grates, without escaping from around the vents of the AC. If the air is escaping, it will cause condensation buildup and result in water dripping from the vents. Feel around the vents for any leaks other than through the grates. Once you find the leak seal it with caulk.
6. Poor Insulation – Attic in most homes are not properly insulated, and most air ducts pass through the attic. The poor insulation causes condensation buildup within the system, which drips down the AC vents. To fix this problem, you need to wrap special air duct insulation all around the ductwork. The best way to handle this issue is by calling your HVAC technician. They will do a thorough and proper job giving you lasting relief.
7. Dirty Air Filters – When the air filters are dirty, air does not pass adequately through the system. This causes the AC to freeze up, and when the ice melts, it drips don the vents into your home, creating puddles and wet areas. You need to regularly change the air filters to ensure an uninhibited flow of air.
Aztil AC Keeps All Problems At Bay
There are many reasons that can result in water leaking from the AC vents. Now that you know about the common causes, you will realize that some of them are easy fixes ad can be taken care of by yourself. Nonetheless, your HVAC company can take care of even these small issues and relieve you of all the burden.
Lucky for you, you don’t have to get down and dirty every time there is a problem with the AC. The elite team of Aztil AC professionals will take care of all your AC problems, including AC vent leaking water inside your home.
