Updating Your HVAC Unit

How To Fix A Window Air Conditioner Leaking In The Front

If you have a wet carpet or floor in front of your window air conditioner, it has a leak. Leaks could eventually damage flooring, but you don't have to call a professional immediately. Fix an air conditioner that is leaking inside your home by following these tips.

Check the Filters 

To fix the leak, gather:

  • rags
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • spray bottle
  • mild dish soap
  • white vinegar
  • torpedo level
  • thin wire
  • garden hose (optional) 

Dirty filters and coils can prevent proper circulation of air, which causes dripping issues. Air filters are commonly located in front of the unit, behind a panel.  

Unplug the unit, use the screwdriver to loosen the panels on the cover, and examine the filters. Mix several drops of dish soap and water in a spray bottle, detach the filters by hand, and mist them with the solution. Rinse them using a spray bottle of clean water or a hose, and let them dry. 

Tilt the Unit Correctly and Check Window Seals

An air conditioner must be tilted so that the back is slightly below the front to help the water drip outside. Improper tilting causes the water to back up and drip inside. Use the level to check if the unit sits flush or tilted to the inside. 

To fix the tilt, unplug the unit, adjust the braces, or move the base toward you and the top slightly away until you get the correct tilt. Some models aren't designed to tilt, so check your manual.

A defective window seal could cause condensation problems instead of the unit itself, forcing water to the front of the unit. Replace defective seals with foam insulation or a similar material.

Clean Coils and Drain Pan 

Sometimes, ice forms on the evaporator coils, the part that absorbs heat, when air flow is restricted and when the night temperatures drop below sixty. As temperatures warm, the unit should drain as normal. 

Deice the unit by leaving it off for awhile, or run it on "FAN", and clean coils in the same way as filters. Remove the screws from the grille to access coils, which are commonly near the blower.

Locate the drain pan, the device that collects water, and check under the coils for overflowing water. Raise the drain pan, unhook it, and empty the water. Use the rag to wipe the pan, mix equal parts of warm water and vinegar, and pour it down the drain.

Also, check the drain tubing for clogging and debris. Some units have an emergency shut-off when the drain line gets clogged. If it seems clogged, suction it with a wet/dry vacuum, and pour the vinegar solution in it occasionally to keep it flowing. 

 For additional advice, contact a company like Allied Mechanical & Electrical, Inc.


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