An air conditioner is a must-have appliance in many households, keeping homes cool and comfortable in Malaysia’s hot and humid climate. But, as with every electrical appliance, they are prone to malfunction over time, especially if they are not serviced regularly.
One of the most prevalent issues is water dripping from the AC unit, which can cause significant harm to your home. What begins as a minor problem could result in damage to your walls, ceiling and floor, affecting the quality of the air produced, and even increasing electricity costs.
Here are some common reasons why your air conditioner is dripping, and how to address them.
1. Blocked or dirty filters
A dirty and clogged filter restricts airflow to the evaporator coil. Without warm air being absorbed by the refrigerant in the coil, the chemical liquid turns into a gas and subsequently freezes. As a result, water leaks out of the unit as the frozen coil melts.
To avoid this problem, clean the air filter at least once every three months.
2. Insufficient gas
When the air conditioner does not have enough refrigerant, the evaporator coil is not able to effectively condense vapour from the air, resulting in water leaks.
If the condenser makes bubbling or hissing noises, the refrigerant is likely leaking. Get an expert to inspect your AC as soon as possible, as ignoring these noises could result in damage to your unit.
3. Incorrect installation
A defective installation is another typical cause of drips. Examine the seals to ensure they are properly placed; if not, warm water from outside will interact with cold air from the condenser, resulting in condensation and leakage.
Also check whether your air conditioner needs to be adjusted to a slight downward slope for water to flow out freely. When in doubt, contact a professional.
4. Broken or damaged drain pan
Regardless of the type of AC unit, the drain pan is located just beneath the evaporator coil to collect moisture that drips from the coil. The unit will leak when the drain pan overflows, so it’s important to ensure it is kept clean and clear.
5. Air leakage
Air leaks can occur as a result of poor sealing. Carefully inspect the unit to find out whether air is coming from anywhere other than the ventilation grates. If this is the case, contact an expert for repair.
This article first appeared in kaodim.com. One of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing local services platform, Kaodim connects users to dependable and professional local service providers – fast and hassle-free. With the Kaodim app, users can access professional services for home renovation, office cleaning, and much more.