Why is my air con dripping?
How do air con units work?
With the UK experiencing record-breaking heat waves, air con units are becoming increasingly popular to provide relief from the heat.
When installed professionally, air con units work by cooling, circulating and filtering the air in our homes. But it’s not as simple as merely switching them on. An air con unit requires regular maintenance, too.
This involves an annual service by a qualified engineer – and some regular cleaning in-between by you. You also need to look for faults – and a dripping air con unit is one of the biggest giveaways.
My air con is dripping – why?
Air conditioners all create condensation. That’s why they are fitted with drain trays, which collect water and safely drain it away.
However, if water is dripping from your air con unit, this isn’t normal and it must be repaired.
Some of the most common reasons for a dripping air con unit are:
- Dirty filter
- Clogged drainage
- Condensation buildup due to a damaged or clogged drain pan
- Low refrigerant levels
- Frozen or damaged evaporator coils
- Disconnected drain line
- Blocked or disconnected condensate pump
- Poor installation
What to do if your air con is dripping
Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the cause of the dripping.
First things first, turn off your air con immediately. The leaking water could be damaging the internal electrical wiring.
Then follow the steps below:
1. Is the filter blocked?
A blocked filter is the number one culprit for dripping air con units.
Dust and dirt clog filters over time if they are not cleaned or replaced regularly. This builds up pressure and cold air inside the unit, which results in water leaking.
Action: It could be time to clean your filter. To do this, shut off the unit and remove the vent cover – you might need to unscrew it or use the cover release lever. Most filters should then slide out easily.
Next, hoover out the filter before washing it in soapy water. Dry it thoroughly before replacing it securely.
Make sure to do this once a year. However, if you live in an area with high pollution levels, like an inner-city apartment, you might need to do this more regularly.
2. Is the condensation line clogged?
The condensation line (and connecting condensate pump) drains water from your air con unit via a small pipe. Over time, dirt or mildew may clog the line, causing a backflow of water and that pesky dripping.
Action: With some DIY know-how, removing the condensation line to clean it is possible.
First, you’ll need to switch off the air con unit and locate the condensation line – typically a plastic pipe near the evaporator coil.
Next, remove the cap on the access point and inspect the line for any visible debris or buildup.
If necessary, remove the line and soak in bleach mixed with warm water before flushing away any debris under running water.
3. Has the coil frozen?
If set too low, the thermostat on your unit could cause the air con coil to freeze or create a build-up of ice. Low refrigerant levels or unsuitable fan operation could also be to blame.
Action: Check and adjust the air con thermostat to see if that helps. If not, it might be an issue with the refrigerant levels. More on that later.
4. Does the drain pan need replacing?
A plastic drain pan can develop cracks due to water filling up, changing temperatures, or improper installation. These cracks then allow water to drip through.
Action: If you’re a confident DIYer with the right tools, you can replace the drain pan yourself.
You may need to disconnect hoses, pipes, or mounting screws that secure the drain pan in place before replacing with a new one. Therefore, it’s essential to be cautious and ensure the power is off. Working with electrical wiring can be dangerous in inexperienced hands.
When fitting the new drain pan, it’s also worth noting that some drain pans must be precisely level while others sit on a slope.
Does this all sound a bit too complicated? You might be better off asking a professional for help. More on that later.
5. Have temperatures dropped outside?
Extremely cold temperatures in the winter could be the culprit. Because less water evaporates, it can build up inside the air con unit and start to drip.
Action: Cover your air con unit outside to reduce the effect of cold temperatures. It’s best to purchase a professionally made, water-resistant polyester cover that’s breathable to prevent rusting.
6. Are the refrigerant levels low?
If an air con’s refrigerant levels are low, ice can build up on the coils, causing the dripping. You might also hear hissing (a sign of gas escaping) or notice the unit starts throwing out warm air.
Action: Attempting to replace refrigerant (also known as Freon) yourself is dangerous. Freon is a chemical cooling agent that can be harmful if ingested by pets or children or breathed in.
That’s why we recommend calling in the experts. More on that below.
7. Are the pipes damaged?
Cracked, rusted, or weathered pipework caused by wear and tear can cause an air con unit to start dripping.
Action: Check your air con pipes for any signs of damage or areas where water is pooling or leaking.
If you spot anything, you’ll need to (you guessed it!) speak to an air conditioning specialist. Attempting to fix it yourself could do more harm than good.
How to find an air conditioning specialist
Search for a professional to repair your dripping air con unit safely and efficiently by following these three simple steps:
- Use a professional directory
Save time by using a professional directory (like Checkatrade!).
We’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
- Read online reviews
Reading a review from a previous customer is another great way to check a tradesperson’s professionalism.
At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they’re from real people and that trades meet our high standards.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
- Compare quotes
Get at least three quotes from experienced air conditioning specialists. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best tradesperson and price for the job. Search your postcode to get started.
How much does it cost to repair a dripping air con unit?
That all depends on what’s causing the dripping.
As a ballpark figure, an air conditioning engineer will normally charge between £30 - £60 per hour to service an air conditioning unit.
Meanwhile, refrigerant refill costs are between £35 - £130.
Learn more about the costs involved in our home air con service cost guide.
Key takeaways
- A dripping air con unit needs to be addressed asap
- Don’t be tempted to fix it yourself if you’re not a confident diy-er – you’ll need a qualified air con specialist to help with repairs
- An annual service of your air con unit is vital for maintenance
- Cleaning your filter at least once a year will help keep your air con ticking along safely and efficiently
FAQS
Is it safe to use a dripping air con unit?
Simply put, no. If ignored, a dripping air conditioning unit could damage the electrical wiring. It could also land you with a hefty repair bill!
What happens if you don’t service your air conditioner?
If you don’t maintain your air conditioning unit with an annual service, it can reduce its efficiency and result in costly repairs. One of the most common problems with poorly serviced air conditioners is dripping.
How long does an air con leak last?
Unfortunately, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. An air conditioner will continue to drip until it’s fixed — or stops working completely. The sooner you get it repaired, the better!
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