2 Reasons You Might Find Water Under Your AC Condenser
Summer weather is usually accompanied by reliance on an air conditioner to maintain cool and comfortable interior temperatures. It's important that you are taking the time to check on your outdoor condenser unit periodically throughout the summer if you want to maintain the efficiency of your air conditioning system.
Anytime you notice a puddle of water under your air conditioner, you may become alarmed. Since modern AC units don't rely on water to generate cool air, you could find yourself wondering where the water originated.
There are two primary reasons why water might pool under an air conditioner. Learn more about these potential problems so that you know what to do if you find a puddle under your condenser this summer.
1. Condensation
Your air conditioning system is not designed to function as a dehumidifier. However, some moisture is removed from the air by the AC unit as a byproduct of the cooling process. An air conditioner doesn't actually generate cool air. It removes the heat from existing air, which lowers the air temperature.
While the heat is being removed, any moisture particles in the air will collect on the evaporator coil inside your condenser. This moisture should drain off the evaporator coils and into the condensate drain for safe disposal.
If the drain becomes clogged or damaged, the water will pool under your air conditioner instead. Check the function of your condensate drain if you spot water under your outdoor condenser.
2. Melting Ice
Another common AC problem that might lead to the appearance of a water puddle beneath your outdoor condenser is melting ice. The evaporator coil can become so cold that the water condensing on it during the cooling process begins to freeze.
The formation of ice on an evaporator coil is typically the result of a dirty air filter. If the flow of air into your AC unit is impeded, the evaporator coil will become too cold. When the air flow is restored, any ice that has accumulated on the evaporator coil will melt.
The drainage system in your condenser unit isn't equipped to handle that much water, and the excess will leak out and pool beneath the unit.
Knowing how to identify where an apparent water leak is coming from will help you better care for your condenser unit. Maintaining the condensate drain and ensuring that you install a clean filter will keep your condenser free from water and the potential damage that water exposure can cause. For more information, contact a company that offers air conditioning services.