It's normal for air conditioners to leak water on occasion, and there are multiple reasons why they can do this. Before scheduling an HVAC service appointment, you should be aware of the most likely culprits.

Dirty Air Filter
A common cause of leaks is a dirty air filter. Dirt and dust can severely restrict air flow, which can lead to your evaporator coils getting too cold and freezing up. As the ice melts, the water goes through your vents. All you need to do is clean your filter regularly to avoid the issue.

Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The most common cause of all is a clogged condensate drain line. Dirt, dust and mould can block the drain line and cause that water to back up into your home. All of that water can lead to serious damage over time. The drain line can also loosen by itself over time, which can lead to similar issues.

Broken Condensate Pump
Worse still, your condensate pump may be broken. A broken pump means that all of that condensation in the condenser pan can't be pumped out and has nowhere to go but around your basement.

Aged Drain Pan
Another likely cause is an aged drain pan. Condenser pans have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. After that, they usually develop spots of rust, which eat through the pan and cause water to leak out.

What Does This All Mean?
If left untreated, AC leaks can lead to water damage in areas adjacent to your vents. Carpets may get soaked, floorboards can weaken and plaster on the walls can be ruined by continuous leaks. They can also lead to electrical problems if the leaks occur inside the unit itself, which can lead to serious damage to the unit.

What Do I Do if There Is a Leak?
If it's something as simple as the air filter, you can clean it yourself without difficulty. If it's something more complicated, like a rusty drain pan or line blockage, contact Maple Air Heating and Cooling, serving the Greater Toronto Area.