Can Your A/C Unit Cause a Ceiling Leak?

If your home has an HVAC system that’s split into two parts, it’s possible that your A/C unit can cause a ceiling leak. Cooling systems condense water vapor, so it’s entirely possible that this condensation can leak into your attic and through the ceiling. This is usually caused by excessive amounts of dust or low refrigeration levels.

How A/C Units Create Water

Your air handler houses an evaporator coil through which cold refrigerant circulates. This coil will reach exceptionally cold temperatures as the fan inside the air handler sends air over the coil to condense humidity. This condensation drips into a pan and flows through a drainpipe outside your home.

How to Prevent Leaks

A clean air filter will prevent water from building inside the air handler in your A/C unit. An evaporator coil that’s covered with dust can freeze as the amount of air flowing over it slows down. The dust acts as insulation, causing the heat exchange process between the air and the coil to be less effective. As a result, your coil will stay colder, and any condensation that collects on the coil will freeze.

Eventually, the ice will melt and as it does, it can flood your drain pan, causing a ceiling leak. Dirty filters also reduce the amount of air flowing through your air handler, which can also cause the coil to freeze with all the same consequences as a dirty coil.

A clogged drainpipe can block the free flow of water into your drainpipe, causing it to back up into the drain pan. As a result, dirt, mold, dead vegetation and insects can find their way inside your pipe. HVAC pros will typically clean your drainpipe as part of their routine annual maintenance check.

To learn more about keeping your A/C unit from leaking, please contact NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating. We’ve been providing top-notch HVAC services for homeowners in Indian River, Palm Beach and Martin Counties since 1973.