Why Is My AC Spitting Out Water?
If your air conditioner has started spitting out water, dripping from vents, or leaking onto your floors, you’re right to be concerned. This isn’t just a small problem it can cause serious water damage, mold growth, and AC that doesn’t work as well. This is a problem that people in Murrieta and Temecula often call Hutchinson Heating and Air about, especially when it’s hot or humid outside. So let’s look into what this means “why is my AC spitting out water and how to fix it. What Does It Mean When an AC Is Spitting Water? When we say that an air conditioner is “spitting out water,” we usually mean that it is letting the condensation out through the vents or front panel instead of through the drain. Small puddles may form around the indoor unit as water drips from it, and you may even feel mist or droplets being blown out with the air. It’s normal for air conditioners to make water when they dry out the air, but it’s not normal for that water to escape in this way. Something in the unit isn’t working right because of this. What Causes an AC to Spit Water? Clogged Drain Line An obstructed drain line is one of the most common reasons. Over time, dirt, mold, and other particles can gather in the condensate pipe, blocking the water’s path and letting it back up and leak out of the unit. When the water can’t drain properly, it makes its way back into your home, usually through the AC dripping or spitting. Dirty Air Filter It’s also possible that the air filter is dirty. The evaporator coil can freeze up if dust or other things get in the way of airflow. The water that was frozen may spill out of the tray and into the unit when the ice melts. If the fan is running at the same time, this could happen very forcefully. Frozen Evaporator Coil The problem is sometimes an evaporator coil that is frozen. This can happen if the refrigerant level is low or the airflow is slow. During use, the coil starts to freeze over. When the ice finally melts, the unit may let out a rush of water that the drain pan can’t handle quickly enough, letting water leak or spill. Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan When we talk about the drain pan, it won’t collect water properly if it’s broken or rusted. The condensation might not drain properly and leak from the unit’s base or onto the floor. This is especially likely during long cooling cycles when more moisture is made. Incorrect Installation or Improper Tilt Another big problem is when the installation is done wrong. If you don’t tilt your air conditioner properly, especially if it’s a window unit, condensation could drain forward instead of backward, which would cause water to drip into the room. This often happens when units aren’t leveled when they are set up. High Indoor Humidity Levels On days with a lot of humidity, air conditioners in places like Murrieta and Temecula may not be able to handle the extra water. If the dehumidifying power of the system is exceeded, condensation may overflow or leak out of vents or the indoor coil chamber, among other places. Excessive Fan Speed Lastly, the normal drainage process can be slowed down if the fan speed is too high. Water droplets might be pushed off the evaporator coil before they can get to the drain pan by air that is moving quickly. This can cause water or mist to be blown straight through the vents, which is sometimes called the “spitting” effect. Solutions to Fix an AC Spitting Water Start with the Air Filter and Drain Line Most of these problems are easy to fix if they are found early enough. First, look at your air filter. Get a new one right away if it looks dirty or clogged. A clean filter keeps the coil from freezing and helps the air flow properly. Next, check the line that drains the condensation. A wet/dry vacuum or a mixture of water and vinegar can be used to flush it out, get rid of any clogs, and get the drainage working again. Dealing with a Frozen Evaporator Coil Once you think the evaporator coil is frozen, you should turn off your AC and let it thaw on its own. If the unit is frozen, don’t try to scrape off the ice or run it. This could make things worse. If it keeps freezing, you should call a professional to check the levels of refrigerant or look into whether there are any airflow problems that could be the cause of the problem. Inspect and Replace a Faulty Drain Pan If you have an older system, don’t forget to check the drain pan under the unit. It can crack, rust, or warp over time, which can cause water to leak through it. If you find any damage, you should replace the pan right away to keep water from escaping and doing more damage inside. Ensure Proper Installation and Call the Pros For window or wall mounted air conditioners, make sure they are set up with a slight tilt backwards. This will let water drain out of the house instead of into it. It’s time to call in the pros if your system keeps leaking after you’ve fixed the filters, drain lines, and drain pan. Hutchinson Heating and Air can look at your whole system, find problems that you might not have seen, and fix them professionally so that your AC keeps running well. When to Call a Professional If the water leaks even after you clean the filter and drain line, you should call a professional HVAC technician. If there is constant dripping, big puddles, or water blowing out of the vents, it’s likely a sign of a bigger problem. This could be with the refrigerant, the coils, or the condensate pump. In these situations, do it yourself
