If your window air conditioner is leaking water inside, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. But don’t worry, fixing a leaking window air conditioner is usually a simple task that you can do yourself.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to fix a window air conditioner that is leaking water inside. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent leaks from happening in the future.
Why Is My Window Air Conditioner Leaking Water Inside?
There are several reasons why your window air conditioner might be leaking water inside. The most common causes include:
- Clogged drain line: The drain line is responsible for draining condensation from the air conditioner. If the drain line is clogged, water can back up and leak into the room.
- Damaged drain pan: The drain pan is located under the evaporator coils. It collects condensation from the coils and directs it to the drain line. If the drain pan is damaged, water can leak out of the air conditioner.
- Loose or damaged refrigerant lines: The refrigerant lines carry refrigerant from the compressor to the evaporator coils. If the refrigerant lines are loose or damaged, refrigerant can leak out and cause the air conditioner to freeze up. When the air conditioner thaws, the water from the melted ice can leak into the room.
- Dirty evaporator coils: The evaporator coils are located inside the air conditioner. They absorb heat from the air and transfer it to the refrigerant. If the evaporator coils are dirty, they can restrict airflow and cause the air conditioner to freeze up. When the air conditioner thaws, the water from the melted ice can leak into the room.
How to Fix a Window Air Conditioner That Is Leaking Water Inside
Now that you know the most common causes of window air conditioner leaks, let’s take a look at how to fix them.
1. Clean the Drain Line
The first step is to clean the drain line. To do this, you will need a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
1. Turn off the air conditioner and unplug it from the outlet.
2. Remove the front panel of the air conditioner.
3. Locate the drain line. It is usually a small, white tube that runs from the bottom of the air conditioner to the outside.
4. Attach the wet/dry vacuum cleaner to the drain line and turn it on.
5. Vacuum the drain line until all of the water and debris has been removed.
2. Inspect the Drain Pan
Once you have cleaned the drain line, inspect the drain pan. Look for any cracks or holes. If you find any damage, you will need to replace the drain pan.
To replace the drain pan, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the air conditioner and unplug it from the outlet.
2. Remove the front panel of the air conditioner.
3. Locate the drain pan. It is usually located under the evaporator coils.
4. Remove the old drain pan and replace it with a new one.
5. Reinstall the front panel of the air conditioner.
3. Check the Refrigerant Lines
If you have ruled out a clogged drain line and a damaged drain pan, the next step is to check the refrigerant lines. Look for any loose or damaged connections. If you find any, you will need to tighten the connections or replace the refrigerant lines.
To check the refrigerant lines, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the air conditioner and unplug it from the outlet.
2. Locate the refrigerant lines. They are usually located on the back of the air conditioner.
3. Inspect the refrigerant lines for any loose or damaged connections.
4. If you find any loose connections, tighten them using a wrench.
5. If you find any damaged refrigerant lines, you will need to replace them.
4. Clean the Evaporator Coils
If you have ruled out a clogged drain line, a damaged drain pan, and loose or damaged refrigerant lines, the next step is to clean the evaporator coils. To do this, you will need a coil cleaner and a soft brush.
To clean the evaporator coils, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the air conditioner and unplug it from the outlet.
2. Remove the front panel of the air conditioner.
3. Locate the evaporator coils. They are usually located behind the front panel.
4. Spray the evaporator coils with the coil cleaner.
5. Allow the coil cleaner to sit for 10-15 minutes.
6. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the evaporator coils.
7. Rinse the evaporator coils with water.
8. Allow the evaporator coils to dry completely.
9. Reinstall the front panel of the air conditioner.
5. Call a Professional
If you have tried all of the above steps and your window air conditioner is still leaking water inside, it is time to call a professional. A qualified HVAC technician will be able to diagnose the problem and repair your air conditioner quickly and efficiently.
How to Prevent Window Air Conditioner Leaks
The best way to prevent window air conditioner leaks is to perform regular maintenance. This includes:
- Cleaning the drain line regularly
- Inspecting the drain pan for damage
- Checking the refrigerant lines for loose or damaged connections
- Cleaning the evaporator coils regularly
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your window air conditioner running efficiently and leak-free.
Wrap-Up: Stop Window AC Leaks Today
If your window air conditioner is leaking water inside, don’t panic. Fixing the leak is usually a simple task that you can do yourself. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can quickly and easily get your air conditioner back up and running.
Questions You May Have
Q: Why is my window air conditioner leaking water inside?
A: There are several reasons why your window air conditioner might be leaking water inside. The most common causes include a clogged drain line, a damaged drain pan, loose or damaged refrigerant lines, and dirty evaporator coils.
Q: How do I clean the drain line on my window air conditioner?
A: To clean the drain line on your window air conditioner, you will need a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. Attach the wet/dry vacuum cleaner to the drain line and turn it on. Vacuum the drain line until all of the water and debris has been removed.
Q: How do I inspect the drain pan on my window air conditioner?
A: To inspect the drain pan on your window air conditioner, look for any cracks or holes. If you find any damage, you will need to replace the drain pan.
