Carrier Heating and Cooling Blog

Why Is My AC Leaking Water?

If you notice water puddling under your outdoor air conditioning unit, your first instinct might be to pick up the phone and call a contractor for service. Luckily, water leakage from your AC unit can be perfectly normal. However, there are certain circumstances when a leaking AC could be cause for concern and warrant a service call.

What’s a Normal Amount of Water to Leak from My Air Conditioner?

There are two main reasons for water (condensation) to leak from your air conditioner. One factor is your thermostat setting. The second involves the outdoor temperature. When you live in the hot and humid climate of Macon, Georgia, it’s normal to see condensation pooling by the condenser unit because it’s working extremely hard to cool your house down—especially if you keep your thermostat set lower than normal or if it’s an extremely hot day.

When Is AC Water Leakage Too Much?

As a rule of thumb, your air conditioner should leak condensation only while it’s running. If a puddle of condensation pools under your compressor, it should dry up after a hot day. If you can’t tell how much water is leaking or you notice the unit has been leaking for a full day or longer, it’s probably wise to call a contractor to inspect your AC unit for problems.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

Many factors could play a role in why your air conditioner is leaking water either inside the home or out. These include:

• A dirty air filter – If your air conditioning air filter becomes clogged or even partially blocked, it can cause the unit’s evaporator coils to freeze, which causes extra water to overflow from the drainage pan.
• Faulty condensate pan – Your air conditioner will leak if the pan that’s designed to hold water breaks down due to age or corrosion.
• Blocked drain pipe – Normal air conditioner function involves water funneling through a series of drainpipes before disappearing down the drain. If any of these drainpipes are blocked, it could cause a water leakage.
• Faulty installation – If your air conditioner is brand new and is experiencing a leaking problem, chances are it is improperly sized for your home or was installed incorrectly.
• Cool outdoor temperatures – If you try to cool your home when the outside temperature is below 60 degrees, the coils may freeze up and cause water leakage.
• Low refrigerant level – When the refrigerant level for your AC is too low, it causes the unit to lose pressure. This can cause freezing coils, which may overflow the drain pan when it melts.

Schedule AC Repair in the Macon, GA Area with Conditioned Air

If your air conditioner is leaking water and you need a contractor, call the experts at Conditioned Air, Inc. to solve the problem. Conditioned Air has more than 70 years of experience in the installation, repair, and replacement of HVAC equipment in Middle Georgia. Our highly skilled team is standing by to repair your air conditioner day or night with our 24/7 emergency HVAC services.

Give us a call at (478) 787-6578 or schedule an online appointment today for AC repair in Macon, GA or the surrounding areas.

AC Maintenance Tips

The last thing you want in Macon, GA is a broken air conditioner. The heat will be one thing, but the cost of replacing your AC unit might make you sweat even more! Fortunately, there are some easy tasks you can perform to maintain your unit. Use these AC maintenance tips and tricks to keep your air conditioner running smoothly.

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How Long Will My HVAC System Last?

A heating or cooling system is a significant investment, and it only makes sense to get as much use out of it as possible. In general, most HVAC systems will last from 15 to 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be highly variable. Even with HVAC maintenance and regular repairs, eventually even the best boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners today will run their course over time.

Factors That Affect HVAC Service Life

There are many things that can reduce the life span of HVAC equipment, including:

• Poor maintenance practices
• Poor initial quality or defective components
• Oversizing or undersizing the system
• Improper installation procedures
• Inordinately high usage or high loads
• Improper usage, such as heating or cooling with windows and doors open
• Installation in salty or corrosive environments, such as coastal areas

Of these, poor maintenance and oversizing are the most detrimental. A lack of maintenance can lead to accelerated component wear and a dramatically shorter life span, while oversizing can cause frequent on-and-off cycling, leading to compressor or blower motor failure. With preventive maintenance plans, HVAC systems will last longer because small issues are caught before they require costly fixes. Air conditioners or heat pumps in coastal areas will also see significantly reduced life spans due to salt corroding the condenser unit.

Typical HVAC Life Spans

The service life of an HVAC system depends on its type. Here are the typical life spans for common HVAC equipment:

• Furnaces – With proper maintenance, gas furnaces typically last 20 to 30 years, or even longer. Usually, a furnace is replaced when the heat exchanger starts leaking, as it is one of the most critical and expensive components. Systems that are poorly maintained or of questionable quality may last as little as 10 years, while oil furnaces typically last only 10 to 15 years, due to maintenance problems caused by the inefficient fuel.
• Boilers – Boilers often last slightly longer than furnaces, with an average life span of 20 to 35 years. Usually, they are replaced when the heat exchanger starts leaking.
• Air conditioners – Most air conditioners will last 15 to 20 years, though some may last closer to 10. In coastal areas, they typically last only seven to 12 years due to salt exposure. Both air conditioners and heat pumps are usually replaced when the compressor fails or the condenser develops significant corrosion and leaks.
• Heat pumps – Heat pumps can last 10 to 20 years, depending on usage frequency, though 15 is average. Functionally, heat pumps are similar to air conditioners, but because they can provide both heating and cooling, they are typically used longer each year. Heat pumps in coastal areas will also fail prematurely, with typical life spans of seven to 12 years.
• Ductless mini-splits – Like heat pumps, ductless mini-splits can provide both heating and cooling, with a typical life span of 10 to 30 years, except in coastal areas.

While these are the most common life spans, many homeowners choose to replace their HVAC system sooner. As the system ages, it will gradually become less reliable and efficient, increasing repair and utility costs. Once a system is 10 to 15 years old, the monthly energy savings from upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can often justify the initial investment, especially if the current system is unreliable or has major problems.

HVAC Replacement in Macon, GA

If you are worried about the condition of your HVAC system, our team at Conditioned Air, Inc. can help. We can perform a full inspection of your system and estimate its remaining service life. We offer complete replacement services if you choose to upgrade, as well as comprehensive maintenance and repair services to keep your system running smoothly.

To schedule a system inspection or replacement, contact Conditioned Air today at (478) 787-6578!

Why Won’t My Heating System Turn On?

For Fast Heating System Services, Call (478) 787-6578!

Is your heating system on the fritz? Wondering why your heat won’t turn on? Don’t ignore it! If you want to fix your heating system at home, we’ve put together a few troubleshooting tips, featured below.

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How to Take Advantage of Cooler Temperatures to Save Money

According to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling costs account for more than half of the monthly utility bill in an average home in the United States. Fortunately for homeowners in Macon, Georgia, the cooler fall weather helps curb those energy costs by giving your HVAC system a break before the winter arrives. Here are a few other ways you can use the cool temperatures to save money.

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