Why Is My AC Leaking? 7 Common Causes & How to Fix Them
Kalispell’s Trusted Heating and Cooling Professionals
For over 12 years, Taylor Heating and Cooling has delivered top-tier HVAC services to Kalispell and the surrounding communities. Driven by a dedicated team and three generations of expertise, we provide personalized solutions, from emergency AC repairs to full heating and air-conditioning system installations around the clock. When comfort matters most, count on us to keep your Montana home running smoothly year-round.
Why Is My AC Leaking? 7 Common Causes & How to Fix Them
Prevent AC Leaks Before They Happen
Dealing with a leaking AC is frustrating, but with Taylor Heating and Cooling's membership packages, you won’t have to worry about emergency repairs. Our scheduled maintenance plans keep your AC and heating system in top shape, so issues like leaks, frozen coils, and clogged drain lines are handled before they become major problems.
If your AC is already leaking, don’t wait! Call Taylor Heating and Cooling today at 406 890 8024 or sign up for a maintenance membership to keep your home comfortable year-round. Serving Kalispell, Montana, and surrounding areas.
A leaking AC can be a stressful issue, but the good news is that many common causes have simple solutions. At Taylor Heating and Cooling, we specialize in keeping your HVAC system running efficiently, so you never have to worry about unexpected breakdowns. Serving Kalispell, Montana, we offer comprehensive membership packages (click here to learn more about our memberships) that ensure your AC and heater are regularly maintained, preventing leaks and costly repairs before they happen.
If you’ve noticed water pooling around your air conditioner, you’re not alone. A leaking AC unit is one of the most common HVAC problems homeowners face. In this guide, we’ll explore 7 common causes of AC leaks and how you can fix them before they lead to costly repairs.
But if you're experiencing a leak right now, here are the most common causes and how to fix them.
1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line
Why It Happens:
Your AC produces condensation as it cools your home, and that moisture is drained away through the condensate drain line. Over time, dirt, dust, mold, and algae can accumulate inside this drain line, leading to a blockage. When this happens, water has nowhere to go and begins to leak out of your unit. Homeowners in Kalispell, Montana, especially those with vacation homes, may find that unused AC units are more prone to drain line clogs due to stagnant water.
How to Fix It:
✅ Locate the drain line and try flushing it with a mix of vinegar and warm water to break up the clog.
✅ If the clog persists, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the blockage from the end of the drain line.
✅ Scheduling annual HVAC maintenance with Taylor Heating and Cooling can help prevent this issue before it starts.
If your AC is still leaking after clearing the drain line, it’s time to call Taylor Heating and Cooling for professional assistance.
2. Dirty Air Filters
Why It Happens:
Your AC’s air filter is responsible for trapping dust, pet dander, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating through your home. However, if the filter becomes clogged, it restricts airflow. This can cause the evaporator coil to freeze over. When the frozen coil eventually melts, the excess water may overflow the drain pan, leading to a leak.
How to Fix It:
✅ Replace your AC filter every 1-3 months, especially during peak cooling months in Kalispell, Montana.
✅ If ice has formed on your evaporator coil, turn off your AC and let it fully defrost before restarting.
✅ Consider signing up for a Taylor Heating and Cooling maintenance membership, which includes routine filter checks and replacements.
If you’re experiencing recurring AC leaks, don’t hesitate to contact Taylor Heating and Cooling for expert HVAC service.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels
Why It Happens:
Your AC system relies on refrigerant to cool your home efficiently. If the refrigerant level is too low, the pressure inside the system drops, causing the evaporator coil to freeze. When the ice melts, excess water can overflow and leak. Low refrigerant levels are often due to slow leaks in the refrigerant lines, which require professional repair.
How to Fix It:
✅ Check for signs of hissing sounds, weak cooling, or ice buildup on your AC unit—these can all indicate a refrigerant leak.
✅ Do not attempt to refill refrigerant yourself. Instead, contact Taylor Heating and Cooling to properly diagnose and repair the leak.
✅ If you own a vacation home in Kalispell, consider a preventative maintenance plan to catch refrigerant leaks before they become serious problems.
4. Cracked or Rusted Drain Pan
Why It Happens:
The drain pan sits beneath your AC unit and catches condensation as it drips off the evaporator coil. Over time, metal drain pans can rust, and plastic drain pans can crack, allowing water to leak onto your floor.
How to Fix It:
✅ Inspect your drain pan for visible cracks or rust spots.
✅ If the pan has minor cracks, use waterproof sealant to patch them.
✅ If the pan is too damaged, replace it entirely, a service Taylor Heating and Cooling can provide to Kalispell homeowners.
5. Disconnected or Damaged Drain Line
Why It Happens:
Your AC’s drain line is responsible for directing condensation away from your unit. If the line becomes loose or damaged, water can begin pooling around your AC unit instead of draining properly. This can be especially common in homes where AC systems experience frequent use, such as vacation rentals in Kalispell.
How to Fix It:
✅ Inspect the drain line connection and tighten any loose fittings.
✅ If the pipe is cracked or damaged, replace it with a new PVC pipe.
✅ Schedule a seasonal HVAC checkup with Taylor Heating and Cooling to ensure your drain line remains intact.
6. Frozen Evaporator Coil
Why It Happens:
A frozen evaporator coil can lead to excessive condensation when it melts, resulting in water leaks. This happens when the coil gets too cold due to poor airflow, low refrigerant, or dirty filters.
How to Fix It:
✅ Turn off your AC and let the coil thaw completely before restarting.
✅ Check and replace your air filter to improve airflow.
✅ If freezing happens frequently, call Taylor Heating and Cooling to inspect refrigerant levels and airflow.
7. Improper AC Installation
Why It Happens:
If your AC wasn’t installed correctly, it may not be level, causing water to drain in the wrong direction and pool around your unit. Homeowners in Kalispell, Montana, who recently installed a new AC should check for improper leveling.
How to Fix It:
✅ Use a level to check if your AC is tilted, if so, adjust it accordingly.
✅ If installation issues persist, contact Taylor Heating and Cooling for proper reinstallation.
When to Call an HVAC Professional
If you’ve tried these fixes and your AC is still leaking, it’s time to call a professional. At Taylor Heating and Cooling, we provide fast and reliable AC repairs in Kalispell, MT. Our expert technicians will diagnose the issue and get your system running smoothly again.
📞 Call us today at 406 890 8024
Prevent AC Leaks Before They Happen
Dealing with a leaking AC is frustrating, but with Taylor Heating and Cooling's membership packages, you won’t have to worry about emergency repairs. Our scheduled maintenance plans keep your AC and heating system in top shape, so issues like leaks, frozen coils, and clogged drain lines are handled before they become major problems.
If your AC is already leaking, don’t wait! Call Taylor Heating and Cooling today at 406 890 8024 or sign up for a maintenance membership to keep your home comfortable year-round. Serving Kalispell, Montana, and surrounding areas.
A leaking AC can be a stressful issue, but the good news is that many common causes have simple solutions. At Taylor Heating and Cooling, we specialize in keeping your HVAC system running efficiently, so you never have to worry about unexpected breakdowns. Serving Kalispell, Montana, we offer comprehensive membership packages (click here to learn more about our memberships) that ensure your AC and heater are regularly maintained, preventing leaks and costly repairs before they happen.
If you’ve noticed water pooling around your air conditioner, you’re not alone. A leaking AC unit is one of the most common HVAC problems homeowners face. In this guide, we’ll explore 7 common causes of AC leaks and how you can fix them before they lead to costly repairs.
