8 Causes of Water Dripping from AC Vent and How to Fix It

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A leaking air conditioner isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a sign of an underlying issue. From clogged drain pipes to frozen evaporator coils, there are multiple reasons for water dripping from your AC unit. Singapore’s high humidity can exacerbate the problem, leading to water buildup if your aircon isn’t functioning properly.

Here are 8 causes of water leaking out of the AC, and how you can fix them!

8 Causes of AC Vent Leaking Water

Reason #1 Dirty Air Filter

The air filter is one of the simplest parts to clean, yet is often overlooked by many of our clients in Singapore. Simply because they overlook the filter hidden behind the housing of the AC unit. However, dirty air filters can cause a plethora of problems with the air conditioning system, and leaking water is one of them.

The air filter does not leak water directly, but it insulates and clogs other parts in the unit, making the AC unit freeze up, and drip water from the vents. If your AC vent is leaking water, and you haven't cleaned your filter in a while, chances are you've got a dirty air filter.

Reason #2 Poor Installation

Improper AC installation is a common problem that leads to water leaking from AC vents. If the unit is not leveled correctly, water may not flow toward the drain pan as intended, causing accumulation and leakage. 

In Singapore, where many high-rise buildings rely on concealed air conditioning systems, poor installation can be an issue that worsens over time. Thus, engaging a professional aircon service provider such as Luce will ensure correct installation and proper drainage to prevent issues such as water dripping from AC vent.

Reason #3 Frozen Evaporator Coil

Along with a dirty AC filter is a frozen evaporator coil, which happens when the air around the AC unit cannot properly pass through, and the refrigerant cools down moisture accumulated around the evaporator coils instead. As the moisture freezes and melts, it drips water from the AC ducts. A blocked AC vent can also cause evaporator coils to freeze.

A dirty evaporator coil can also be the culprit, as the dust around the coils accumulates condensation, which cools down and drips from the air ducts. This causes water dripping from your air vents to pool around your room, and would eventually lead to your AC unit breaking down entirely.

Reason #4 Clogged Condensate Drain Line

A clogged drain line is another common reason for an AC vent leaking water. The condensate drain line is responsible for driving the condensate out of your unit, and once clogged, the moisture backs up into your unit and finds another exit: the air vents.

A clogged condensate drain line is relatively simple to fix, and you can do so without calling for professional services. However, if you are unsure of how to go about cleaning the drain lines, our HVAC professional technicians at Luce Aircon will be more than happy to clean your unit for you!

Reason #5 Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant leaks are common with older AC units, as the coolant lines have worn down over time. When refrigerant leaks, it supercools the surrounding moisture in the air, causing condensation to form and drip out of the air vent of your air conditioner.

A refrigerant leak is not something that can be remedied at home and will require professional services to fix. Our Luce Aircon technicians are experienced and trained in diagnosing, finding, and fixing refrigerant leaks, so you can trust your air conditioner will work well after repairs!

Reason #6 Insulation Issues

Singapore’s humid weather makes insulation crucial in air conditioning systems. If the ductwork or air vents are not adequately insulated, condensation can form and lead to water dripping from AC vents. Over time, this moisture can cause ceiling stains, mold growth, and even structural damage. Ensuring high-quality insulation materials and regular servicing can help prevent this issue.

Reason #7 Overflowing Drip Pan

An overflowing drip pan can be another cause of water dripping from the air vent, but the solution is relatively easy. Simply drain out the drip pan! You should drain the drip pan of your air conditioner every now and then to prevent water from accumulating, as the stagnant water can host pests, mosquito larvae, bacteria, mold, and fungi which can be hazardous.

Another possibility why your air conditioner is leaking water is that your AC is tilted downwards towards your room. This is most common with window-type units and will cause collected condensate to dribble through the vents indoors instead of outdoors.

Reason #8 Malfunctioning Condensate Pump

In many homes and offices in Singapore, especially those with ducted or ceiling cassette air conditioners, a condensate pump helps drain excess moisture. If the pump is faulty or clogged, water accumulates and eventually leaks from the vents. Without proper drainage, the collected water can overflow and cause persistent dripping. Regular maintenance of the condensate pump can prevent such issues.

How to Stop Water Dripping from Air Vents?

If you notice water dripping from the AC vent, here are some steps you can do to fix the problem!

  • Clean or Replace Air Filter: Dirty filters can cause airflow restrictions which lead to excessive condensation. By cleaning or replacing the filters regularly, you can ensure optimal airflow and prevent water buildup.
  • Check the Drain Line and Condensate Pump: Ensure the drain line is not clogged and that the condensate pump is functioning correctly to allow proper water drainage.
  • Schedule Regular Aircon Servicing: Engaging a professional aircon service company in Singapore such as Luce for routine maintenance can help detect issues early and prevent costly repairs.

3 Tips to Prevent Water Dripping from AC Vent

Tip #1 Clean Your Air Conditioning System Regularly

Always have your air conditioning unit cleaned at least once every 4 to 6 months by a professional HVAC technician. This will prevent any issues stemming from a filthy air conditioner, as well as any damages to your unit caused by debris. This will also maintain the good condition of your unit, contributing to its durability.

At home, you can wash your AC filter under running water, and use compressed air to blow the dust away from your evaporator coils. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dust, or use a long stick to dislodge the debris clogging your condensate lines.

Tip #2 Avoid Overworking Your Air Conditioner

Avoid overworking your air conditioner to keep it from freezing up, and dripping water. This includes using your air conditioner during cold seasons where condensate can naturally freeze, or using your air conditioner for extended periods of time without allowing the unit to cool down or get cleaned.

Tip #3 Keep Air Ducts Free from Obstruction

Keep both indoor and outdoor air vents free from any obstruction. There should be at least two or three feet of distance between the vents and the nearest wall for optimal cooling. This clearance distance will allow ample air circulation to flow through the unit, and prevent any obstruction-related issues with your aircon.

Cleaning Your Aircon - The Easy Way

Luce Aircon is Singapore’s leading air conditioning cleaning and maintenance service. We pride ourselves on bringing the best aircon servicing to all our clients! Our professional technician can clean, maintain, and repair any aircon model across different brands, so you can be assured we'll get your unit up and running like new.

Contact us today and schedule your aircon cleaning service in no time!

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