I found a puddle underneath my split-AC unit. I wondered: Is this normal, or is my house leaking
That was a question a resident in Bonita Springs asked, and it’s a good place to start. A little AC water leak doesn’t always mean disaster. But it does mean there’s something amiss.
Your indoor AC (the part inside your room) cools the air. As it cools, moisture in the air condenses (like water droplets). The system is built to collect that moisture and carry it away safely through a pipe (condensate drain line).
So water inside the unit is normal in a sense. What’s not normal is when it drips into your room or pools on the floor. That means the removal system is failing somewhere.
As serious as this situation seems, you need to act fast to keep your unit and house safe. Here is what you can do!
Common Causes of AC Water Leaks In Bonita Springs
When your unit starts dripping, the first thing you need to do is turn it off and call AC Repair Services in Bonita Springs immediately. Ignoring this for long can cause more damage to your unit while increasing the repair cost to a great extent.
But AC doesn’t start leaking overnight. There are various reasons behind it. Here are the main reasons your indoor AC might drip water:
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Frozen evaporator coil
The evaporator coil is a cold part inside the AC. If airflow is weak (say, due to a dirty filter), it can freeze. When the freezer-like ice melts, too much water pours into the drain pan and overflows.
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Dirty air filter
A clogged air filter chokes airflow. That weakens the cooling cycle, makes the coil too cold, and leads to excess moisture and leaks.
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Clogged drain line
A clogged AC drain line in Florida is the most frequent cause of dripping AC. The drain line is a pipe that carries water out of your AC. If dust, dirt, or mold blocks it, water can’t flow. Then it backs up and spills.
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Damaged drain pan
Inside your unit is a pan that catches the condensation. If that pan is rusted, cracked, or not level, water will escape and drip out.
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Low refrigerant
If your AC has too little refrigerant (the fluid that carries heat), the coil can get too cold. That leads to freezing and then dripping when the ice melts.
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Improper installation / wrong angle
If the AC unit or the pan is not level, water won’t flow toward the drain. It will pool and leak inside instead.
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Broken condensate pump
In some AC setups, there’s a pump that pushes condensate water out (especially when the drain line goes uphill). If that pump fails, you have AC condensation problems in Bonita Springs, and water can’t leave and will back up.
Simple Steps You Can Try First
Let’s break down a method you (or a handy homeowner) can use before calling a technician.
1. Check or replace the air filter
Take out the filter. If it’s dusty or clogged, clean or replace it. This restores proper airflow, which helps prevent coil freezing and water build-up.
2. Inspect the drain line
Locate the condensate drain line. See if there is standing water or visible clogging.
- Use a vacuum or a soft wire to clear the blockage.
- Pour a little water in and see if it flows out the other end.
- Sometimes flushing with a mild bleach solution helps remove mold and algae.
3. Check the drain pan for damage or slope
Look at the pan inside the indoor unit. Is it cracked, rusted, or tilted? If yes:
- Seal cracks if small.
- Replace the pan if it’s too old or badly damaged.
- Make sure the pan is level so water flows to drain, not over the edge.
4. Turn off the AC and let the ice thaw
If there is ice on coils, switch off the AC for a while (fan on) and let the ice melt. After thaw, try cooling again. If the AC leaking water inside the house stops, the problem was likely a frozen coil (from filter or refrigerant issues).
5. Call a professional when needed
If cleaning filters, clearing the drain line, or adjusting the pan doesn’t fix the drip, it might be low refrigerant, a broken condensate pump, or something internal. These require a qualified HVAC technician at Dr. Kool Air Conditioning.
Why it matters: beyond just the drip
What will happen if you ignore the leaking AC? Here is what you have to face
- Water leaks can damage walls, floors, and furniture
- Standing moisture can promote mold growth
- A leaky AC may be working inefficiently, consuming more electricity
- If the source is an AC refrigerant leak, that’s a serious issue requiring safety-aware repair
Final Thoughts
Here’s the thing: when your indoor AC starts dripping, it’s your system asking for help. A simple clog or dirty filter can quickly turn comfort into chaos. Regular HVAC maintenance, quick checks, and timely repairs keep your home dry, your air clean, and your bills low. If you’re in humid Bonita Springs, treat small AC water leaks like early warnings, not background noise. Stay ahead of them, and your AC will return the favor in no time.
Water dripping from your AC is a warning that your unit is struggling. Our licensed technicians at Dr. Kool Air Conditioning go beyond quick fixes. We believe in preventing future breakdowns with diagnostic precision and climate-specific solutions. Hire our HVAC company in Bonita Springs and stay ahead of leaks, rust, and high bills.
Contact the technicians at Dr. Kool Air Conditioning online or call 239-946-2427 for same-day service and lasting comfort.
FAQs
Why does my AC smell musty when it runs?
Moisture inside ducts or the evaporator coil can lead to mold or mildew. That causes a musty smell. Cleaning the filter and having a technician clean coils or ducts usually stops it.
Is it okay to turn my AC off overnight to save energy?
Yes, if your home doesn’t heat up too fast. But dramatic temperature swings make the system work harder when it turns back on. A modest thermostat setback is safer.
Why is one room cooler than another?
That often means airflow is uneven, or ducts may be blocked or leaking. A technician can balance your system, seal ducts, or adjust vents.
How often should I schedule AC maintenance in Bonita Springs?
Twice a year is ideal, before the cooling season and before the mild season. The humid Florida climate means problems develop fast, so regular checks prevent issues.
Can salty air from the coast harm my outdoor AC unit?
Yes. Salt and humidity accelerate corrosion on metal parts and fins. Rinsing the unit periodically and using a protective coating helps reduce damage.