Discovering a puddle of water near your air conditioner is never a good sign. While a leaking AC unit may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, it can quickly lead to water damage, mold growth, and expensive repairs if left unaddressed.
At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we’ve been helping homeowners in White Bear Lake and the surrounding Twin Cities area troubleshoot HVAC issues since 1974. If your air conditioner is leaking, here are the most common causes—and what you can do about them.
A Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The problem: Your AC removes humidity from the air as it cools, and that moisture drains away through a small pipe called the condensate drain line. Over time, this line can become clogged with dirt, algae, or mold.
What it leads to:
- Water backing up into the drain pan and overflowing
- Moisture around the indoor unit or even ceiling damage (if installed in an attic)
What to do:
A professional HVAC technician can flush the line and clear the clog. You can help prevent this by scheduling seasonal maintenance to keep the line clean and free-flowing.
A Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan
The problem: Your AC system has a drain pan beneath the evaporator coil to catch excess moisture. Over time, the pan can corrode, crack, or become misaligned.
What it leads to:
- Water leaking onto the floor or into nearby walls and ceilings
- Potential water damage if the issue isn’t caught early
What to do:
Older or rusted pans often need to be replaced. Newer systems may have secondary (emergency) pans to catch overflow—but these shouldn’t be relied on long term.
A Dirty Air Filter
The problem: A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to get too cold and eventually freeze. When the ice melts, excess water can overwhelm the drain pan and spill out.
What it leads to:
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Water pooling around the indoor unit
What to do:
Replace your air filter every 1–3 months, especially during peak usage. If your unit has already frozen, turn it off to let the ice melt—then replace the filter and call for service to make sure no internal damage has occurred.
Low Refrigerant Levels
The problem: Low refrigerant causes the evaporator coil to get too cold, just like a dirty air filter does. This can lead to freezing and excess condensation once the coil thaws.
What it leads to:
- Ice buildup on coils
- Leaking water around your indoor unit
- Reduced cooling performance
What to do:
Only a licensed HVAC technician can check and recharge refrigerant levels. If there’s a leak, we’ll need to locate and repair it before refilling the system.
Improper Installation or Leveling
The problem: If your AC unit or drain pan isn’t level, water may not drain properly and could overflow instead.
What it leads to:
- Persistent leaking even when everything else seems fine
- Long-term risk of water damage or mold
What to do:
Have a professional inspect the installation. Small leveling adjustments can make a big difference in how well your system drains.
How to Prevent Future AC Leaks
The best way to avoid a leaking air conditioner is with regular preventive maintenance. At Four Seasons Air Specialists, our seasonal tune-ups include:
✅ Cleaning and inspecting drain lines
✅ Checking refrigerant levels
✅ Replacing dirty air filters
✅ Ensuring the unit is level and draining properly
✅ Spotting small issues before they become big problems
Routine care keeps your system running efficiently and helps you avoid costly repairs—or worse, water damage to your home.
Let Four Seasons Air Specialists Handle It
A leaking AC unit might start as a small issue, but it’s never something to ignore. Since 1974, we’ve been helping families across White Bear Lake and beyond stay cool, comfortable, and protected from unexpected HVAC problems.
Whether you need a quick repair, full system maintenance, or emergency service, our expert technicians are here to help.
📞 Call us today at 651.426.5254
