Noticing a puddle of water under your indoor HVAC unit is a stressful discovery for any Orem, UT homeowner. An air conditioner is supposed to produce cold air, not water. This leak is one of the most common HVAC problems and a clear sign that your system needs immediate attention. Ignoring it can lead to costly water damage, ruined floors, and even mold growth. This guide will help you understand the most common causes.
The Most Common Culprit: A Clogged Condensate Drain Line
What is This HVAC Drain Line?
Your air conditioner does two jobs: it cools the air and it dehumidifies it. As your system pulls hot, humid air from your home, moisture condenses on the cold indoor coil. This water drips into a drain pan and flows out of your home through a small pipe, called the condensate drain line.
How This HVAC Drain Clogs in Orem, UT
Over time, this drain line can become clogged with dust, algae, and sludge. When this happens, the water has nowhere to go. It backs up in the drain line, overflows the drain pan, and spills out onto your floor. This is the number one cause of AC water leaks.
The Frozen Evaporator Coil: A Symptom of a Deeper HVAC Problem
Another very common cause of a water leak is a frozen evaporator coil. This is the indoor coil that gets cold. If it gets too cold, the condensation on it will freeze into a solid block of ice. When your AC unit shuts off, that ice melts all at once, overwhelming the drain pan and causing a major leak.
A frozen coil is not the root problem; it is a symptom. The three main causes of a frozen coil are:
1. A Severely Clogged HVAC Air Filter
This is the most common cause of a frozen coil. Your HVAC system needs to breathe. A filter that is choked with dust blocks the flow of warm air over the coil. Without this warm air, the coil's temperature plummets, and it freezes solid.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels in Your AC
Refrigerant is the chemical that cools the coil. If your system is low on refrigerant, it means you have a leak. This low level causes a pressure drop that can make the coil too cold, leading to ice buildup. You will also notice your AC is blowing warm air.
3. Dirty HVAC Evaporator Coils
If the coil itself is caked in dust and grime, that dirt acts as an insulator. It prevents the coil from absorbing your home's heat, causing it to freeze.
Other Common HVAC Causes for Your Orem, UT Home
A Cracked or Rusted Drain Pan
Your drain pan is the last line of defense. If this pan is old, it can rust through or develop cracks. When this happens, water will leak out, even if the drain line is clear.
A Broken Condensate Pump
If your indoor unit is in a basement, it may use a small pump (a condensate pump) to move the water outside. If this pump fails or its float switch gets stuck, the water will overflow the pump's reservoir.
What to Do When You Find an HVAC Leak in Orem, UT
1. Turn Your HVAC System Off Immediately
Your first step is to go to your thermostat and turn the system completely off. This will stop it from producing more water and prevent further damage.
2. Call a Professional HVAC Technician
A water leak is a clear sign that your system needs professional service. An HVAC Orem UT technician will not just clean up the water; they will find the source of the problem. They can professionally clear your drain line, diagnose a frozen coil, or repair a broken pump.
Why You Need a Professional HVAC Contractor
An HVAC system is a complex piece of equipment. If your coil is freezing, you need a licensed technician to safely handle refrigerant and diagnose the airflow problem. A trusted HVAC Orem UT contractor will have the specialized tools and training to fix the problem correctly the first time.
Vortex Air HVAC: Your Orem, UT HVAC Experts
At Vortex Air HVAC, we are your local, owner-operated experts for all heating, cooling, and refrigeration needs. Our owner, Devin Larose, is committed to providing expert, honest, and reliable service to the Orem, UT community. We have the expertise to diagnose your water leak quickly, from a simple clogged drain to a complex refrigeration issue.
Do not let a small puddle turn into a major disaster. Contact the expert team at Vortex Air HVAC today for a fast diagnosis and professional repair.
Media Contact
Company Name: Vortex Air HVAC
Contact Person: Devin Larose
Email:Send Email
Phone: (801) 400-2422
Address:776 W 165 S
City: Orem
State: UT 84058
Country: United States
Website: https://vortexairhvac.com/
