Air conditioning is one of the best luxuries for homeowners. Unfortunately, many things can go wrong with your AC unit. If your AC vent is dripping with water in the summer, you can call our technicians for help.
Quality Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing is a team of driven professionals qualified to install and repair your HVAC systems. We are one of Tulsa’s professional heating and cooling services providers, helping thousands of homeowners resolve their HVAC issues each year. After our team works on your air conditioning system, you will reap the rewards of a comfortable home.
Below are some of the potential reasons your AC vent drips with water and how you can resolve this issue.
Reason #1: Unclean Air Filters
If your AC vent is dripping with water in the summer, it could be due to dirty air filters. Over time, air filters accumulate dirt and debris that can block your HVAC system’s airflow. Unobstructed airflow is essential for efficient heating and cooling of your home.
You want the moisture in your AC unit to drip over into a drip pan, allowing your HVAC system to eliminate the moisture and humidity in your home. This water freezes on your evaporator coil when you have blocked air ducts, leading to water dripping from your AC unit.
We recommend cleaning your AC air filter and air handler every two weeks. Doing so will ensure that your cooling unit has a seamless airflow and maximizes its potential.
Reason #2: Rusty Drip Pan
Another reason for an AC vent dripping water in the summer is rusty drip pans. Drip pans are designated areas within your HVAC unit that catch dripping moisture, ensuring your AC unit does not let excess moisture water into your home.
However, when your drip pan is rusty, it will lose efficiency and fail to catch the dripping water. In this case, you will have spillage emanating from your air conditioning unit.
To avoid a rusty drip pan, make sure that you check the pan regularly. Typically, drip pans last anywhere between five and ten years. Please note that you must replace your evaporator coil when you have a rusted drip pan.
Reason #3: Obstructed Drain Line
Your condensate line is an outdoor apparatus necessary for an efficient heating and cooling system. Similar to your indoor AC unit, this drain line may experience clogging due to dirt, mildew, or algae. If so, you will encounter drippage from your HVAC unit.
There are a few different ways you can unclog your condensate drain line. First, you can try to use a shop vacuum to clear out the drain line. Alternatively, you can use distilled vinegar to eliminate dirt and debris from your outdoor drain.
Our HVAC technicians can help you unclog your obstructed drain line effectively.
Reason #4: Malfunctioning Condensate Pump
Another reason your AC vent is dripping with water in the summer could be due to a broken condensate pump. You can find this pump next to your outdoor condensate line or your furnace. The principal purpose of your condensate pump is to drain the water in your HVAC system.
However, if the condensate pump breaks, water will be stuck in your air conditioning system. Therefore, you may experience water drippage in your Tulsa home.
Before you attempt to fix your broken condensate pump, you turn off your AC unit. Condensate pumps include a float that must move around freely. If the float is stuck, wiggle it free with your hands.
If you have a broken float, we are happy to replace it for you. We can also help you replace your condensate pump if necessary.
Reason #5: Poor HVAC Installation
Another potential cause of your water drippage issue is improper HVAC installation. If you do not properly install your cooling system, you set yourself up for potential disaster. If your AC unit is not level, it may cause water to tilt to one side of your HVAC system.
When your air conditioner favors one side, it may drip condensation out of the system to your floor. Typically, these issues are immediate. You likely do not have an installation error if you experience your first drippage issue after years of owning your HVAC system.
The best method of counteracting this issue is to hire a reputable company to install your heating and cooling system. Maintaining your AC system is crucial to its efficiency.
Reason #6: Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks are another thing that can stand in the way of a comfortable home. Some telltale signs of a refrigerant leak include a hissing sound coming from your unit, warm air expelling out of your system, and increasing utility bills. If you experience any of these issues, contact an HVAC professional immediately.
Note that you must call a professional technician if you have a coolant leak. Refrigerant is toxic and can harm you and your family’s health. Our professionals wear safety equipment when fixing your refrigerant leak.
Reason #7: Insulation Issues
If you experience water dripping from your HVAC unit, it could be due to inefficient insulation. Typically, insulation is a common cause of cooling systems that run through the attic. Attics accumulate water damage from rainstorms, leading to excess moisture in your HVAC system.
Thankfully, this issue is easy to fix. All you must do is add insulation around your air vents. The more insulation you install, the less moisture will get through your air ducts.
You can buy insulation at any home improvement store, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Call Our Heating, Air Conditioning, and Ventilation Company Today
If your AC vent is dripping with water in the summer, call Quality Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today at 918-212-0122. Our dedicated HVAC professionals have decades of experience resolving the most complex HVAC issues. Quality contractors are licensed and insured to solve your Tulsa, OK, home’s heating and air conditioning problems.
To learn how to better maintain your AC systems, here are some HVAC tips for the summer.