No one wants to experience the horrors of a leaking window ac, but unfortunately, it happens to many homeowners. Whether the window AC is leaking water inside and/or outside, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the most common reasons why window AC leak water, and also provide a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot and fix them. So whether you’re experiencing an ac leak from the inside or outside your home, read on for tips and solutions!
Why is my window AC leaking water?
If you’re noticing water leaking from your window ac unit, it’s likely because of one of the following causes: the seal around the condenser may be damaged or faulty, the venting system is leaking water, or debris is blocking the unit’s openings.
If you’re not sure which of the above issues is causing the water leak, it’s best to have a window ac unit replaced. In the meantime, if you notice any increased noise or vibration from the window ac unit, it might be time to replace it. Finally, if you see any blockage of the unit’s openings, take action and clean them up.
Step-by-step guide troubleshooting AC leaking water

Check if the condensate drain is clogged
It’s summertime, which means it’s time for air conditioning! But if you’re experiencing water leaking from your window AC unit or outside of the window, it might be time to check the condensate drain.
The condensate drain is designed to remove water and moisture from the air conditioning unit, which can cause water to leak from the unit and/or outside of the window.
To check for blockage, use a plunger to suction onto one end of the pipe and pull gently up and down. If debris or objects are blocking the drainage hole, clear them out using a plunger before attempting to check for blockage.
Have you ever had water leak from your air conditioner window before? Let us know in the comments below!
What’s the condensate drain used for?
If you’re experiencing water leaking from your air conditioning unit, it’s likely that the condensate drain is clogged. This is a small hole located near the AC unit that removes water and condensed air.
If this drain becomes blocked, water will leak from the unit and/or escape through cracks in the wall or roof. To check if the condensate drain is blocked, you can use a snake or other small utensil to clear it out. If this doesn’t work, you may need to call an expert for help unblocking it.
Why does the condensate drain get clogged?
The condensate drain is an important part of the air conditioning unit and needs to be properly maintained in order to keep the unit running smoothly. When the AC is on, moisture turns into water, which drains through the condensate drain.
This happens because the drain isn’t big enough or often blocked due to negligence. If this drainage system becomes clogged, water will overflow from the AC unit and leak onto surfaces nearby.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to regularly clean out any blockages in the condensate drain and check for damage or obstruction at regular intervals. By doing so you can ensure that your air conditioner stays running smoothly – without any pesky leaks!
How to fix a clogged condensate drain on a window AC
If the condensate drain on your window AC unit is clogged, water will continue to leak even when the compressor is off. To fix this, clear the obstruction by using a plunger or snake.
Make sure to disconnect the ac unit and clean all debris around the drain before reconnecting it. Finally, check if there is any damage on either side of condensate drain that may be causing blockage
Check if evaporator coil is frozen
It’s summertime, and that means the AC unit is in full swing. But if you notice water leaking from your AC unit, don’t panic. The leak could be due to the evaporator coil being frozen.
To check if this is the case, simply remove any obstructions that may be preventing air flow and wait 24 hours. If the leak does not stop after 24 hours, you will need to call a professional for inspection and repair work.
Make sure you keep your AC unit clean by wiping down coils and fins with a water-and-vinegar solution every six months. Happy cooling!
Why does a frozen evaporator coil cause a window AC to leak water?
If your air conditioner is leaking water from the window, it’s most likely because of a frozen evaporator coil. This happens when the coil can’t transfer heat away from the refrigerant fluid quickly enough, which causes moisture to condense and drip down onto the unit.
You can try thawing the coil by doing some homework beforehand – look up how to do it on an ac unit owner forum or online tutorial. If that fails, you might need to call an expert! In cases where water is leaking both inside and outside of your home, you’ll obviously need their help to fix the problem..
What causes a frozen evaporator coil?
If your evaporator coil is freezing up, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. One possibility is that the coil needs to be defrosted by turning off the AC and then restarting it. If this doesn’t work, another possibility is that there might be a hole in the ductwork leaking water out of the unit. In extreme cases, it may even be time to replace the evaporator coil altogether.
How to fix a frozen evaporator coil
If your evaporator coil is frozen, water will start to leak from the windows and vents. The first step is to thaw the coil using a hair dryer – make sure to keep away from direct heat. If the leak persists, it may be necessary to replace the entire evaporator unit.
In order for this repair process to be carried out in an effective and safe manner, please follow these instructions carefully:
- Turn off all air conditioning units in the area
- Open all window and door seals so air can escape
- Remove any obstructions around condensate drain pan (if present)
- Position a drip pan under cold evaporator coil drain line at least 6 inches away from walls or furniture
Check if the air filter is dirty
A window AC unit can be a great way to keep cool during the summer, but they can also be troublesome. One of the first things to check is the air filter. If it’s dirty, you may need to replace the filter.
If the air filter is clean and the unit is still leaking water, another possibility is that water is coming into contact with the condenser fan motor and causing leakage. To prevent leaks in the future, make sure windows are closed tightly at night and keep rain gutters free of debris.
Why does a dirty air filter cause a window AC to leak water?
If you’re noticing water leaking from your window AC unit, it’s probably because the filter is dirty. A dirty air filter will cause dirt, dust and other allergens to get trapped over time and eventually block the filter.
This can lead to increased airflow requirements on the unit and consequent water leakage. If this isn’t fixed right away by a professional air conditioning technician, it could eventually damage your equipment or even result in its replacement!
What causes a dirty window AC air filter?
Dirty window AC air filters are the result of improper air conditioning unit operation. This can be caused by a number of things, such as dirty filter media, insufficient refrigerant oil or moisture in the air conditioner system.
The most common cause of dirty window AC air filters is when the unit is pushed harder than necessary to cool down an enclosed space. As this forces the unit to work more intensely and use more energy, debris (including dust, dirt and leaves) will be trapped inside the filter and eventually build up.
How to clean a window AC air filter
Keeping your air conditioning unit in good condition is essential for proper cooling and comfort. One of the most common causes of AC unit failure is a dirty air filter.
To clean your filter effectively, first turn off your AC unit and remove its cover. Next use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean all surfaces inside and outside of the ac condenser unit. Be sure to empty any excess water from the cleaning hardware before reinserting it into your ac unit!
Check if the refrigerant is low
Windows air conditioners are essential in summertime, but they can also be a culprit of leaking water from the inside and/or outside of the system. If you’re noticing water leaking from your AC unit, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue and fix it.
The best way to check if the refrigerant is low is by checking the Freon level. If it’s below 2%, then your AC unit may be leaking water from the inside and/or outside of the system.
Fixing this issue can be done by replacing old or failed parts, installing a new sealskin or compressor, and adjusting settings on your air conditioner. If these steps don’t help, it might be time for an entire replacement of your AC unit.
Saving yourself a lot of hassle and money is always a win, so make sure to keep an eye out for these signs and act fast when something goes wrong!
Why does low refrigerant cause a window AC to leak water?
Windows air conditioners use refrigerant to help keep the unit cool. When the refrigerant level is low, it can cause water to leak from the unit. Water can enter through any of the gaps in the window AC unit or condenser and leaking water will cause humidity levels inside your home to increase, which can lead to problems like mold and mildew growth. If you notice water leaking from your window ac system, try checking if there’s a low refrigerant level first by checking the Freon level on your unit.
Check your AC unit’s level of refrigerant by looking for an R-12 symbol on the unit. If the refrigerant is low, you may need to call a technician to fix it or replace the entire AC unit.
What causes low refrigerant in a window AC?
Low refrigerant levels can be caused by a number of things, including age, wear and tear on the unit, leaky lines or hoses, and dirty condensers. If you’re noticing water leaking from your window AC unit and the level of refrigerant is low, it might be time to fix the issue.
What to do if your window AC is low on refrigerant
If you find that your window ac unit is low on refrigerant, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue. First, replace any old or failing parts. This includes condensers, evaporator coils, hoses and lines, and air conditioner units themselves.
If this doesn’t work, you might need to install a new sealskin or compressor unit. You can also adjust settings on your air conditioner in order to try and raise the refrigerant level; keep in mind that this may require professional help from an HVAC technician if the unit is too complex or if you’re not sure how to do it. If all of these solutions fail, you may need to replace your window ac unit altogether.
Check if the condensate pump is working
If you’re noticing water leaking from your window AC unit, it’s likely because the condensate pump isn’t working. This pump helps to condense the water that’s released by the unit, and if it’s not working, water is leaking all over the place.
To check if the condensate pump is working, first try turning it off and on. If that doesn’t work, you can take the unit apart and inspect the mechanism for damage or wear and tear. If all of those measures fail to fix the leak, then your AC unit likely needs to be replaced. In the meantime, try using a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of water leaking from the unit.
Why does a broken condensate pump cause a window AC to leak water?
When a condensate pump inside the air conditioning unit breaks, water accumulates over time and eventually leaks out of the window. This can lead to damage to the AC unit and even cause it to stop working altogether.
To determine if your condensate pump is broken, turn off the AC unit and look for water leaking from inside or outside of the window. If you notice any leakage, it’s best to have it fixed by a professional technician as soon as possible.
What causes a broken condensate pump in a window AC?
When it comes to window air conditioners, condensate pumps play a very important role. These pumps circulate water through the evaporator coil and drain it out of the unit. When this pump becomes broken, water will leak from the inside and/or outside of the AC unit.
This can eventually cause water accumulation on the coils, which will lead to a failure of your air conditioner. If you notice water leaking from your AC unit, it is best to get it fixed as soon as possible so that damage isn’t done and you don’t have any unpleasant surprises down the line!
Why window AC leaking water inside when it rains?
If you live in a location where it frequently rains, water can get inside your window AC unit and cause it to leak water. This is because rainwater contains moisture which can damage the unit’s compressor, refrigerant lines, and other internal components.
To prevent this from happening, be sure to keep the air conditioner drain pan clean so that excess water doesn’t accumulate. If all of these measures fail and your window AC still leaks water during rainstorms, professional repair may be necessary in order for the unit to function properly again.
Window AC needs proper slope when installed
When installing an air conditioner, it is important to have the unit installed on a slope that will help divert water away from the window. If not done properly, this can lead to water leakage and damage to both the AC unit and window.
Also make sure that adequate ventilation is provided when air conditioning – otherwise you could be in for some unpleasant surprises if condensation forms inside the unit or around any openings. A sealed window AC unit would be a better option in such cases.
Window AC needs a seal around the unit
Window air conditioning units need seals around the unit to help stop water from leaking. If water is constantly leaking from your window AC, it may be due to a defective seal. Inspect the seals around windows and doors – they may need to be replaced. If rust or corrosion is present on the window AC unit itself, this can also cause a leaky window ac unit.
Read on for tips and advice on choosing the right one
Why window AC leaking water outside
Window ac leaking water outside is often caused by condensation. If the unit isn’t installed on a slope or if there are any gaps in the seals around vents and window, moisture will be able to enter the unit and cause condensation.
When it rains, this moisture will seep through small cracks and create an ongoing leak. In most cases, only professional repair services can fix window AC leaking water outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a leaking AC cause carbon monoxide poisoning?
No, leaking air conditioners will not contribute to CO poisoning. If you are experiencing headaches or dizziness, it is important to call a professional as soon as possible and have the window AC unit replaced.
Can a leaking AC cause a fire?
A leaking window air conditioner unit is not a cause of fire. However, if water accumulates on the unit, it could start a fire. If you see water or moisture inside the AC unit, turn off the power immediately and call a professional.
How long will AC last with a leak?
Most window air conditioner units have a lifespan of 10-15 years. If the unit is leaking, it may only last for 3-5 years.
Can a leaky air conditioner make you sick?
Yes, a leaking air conditioner unit can make you sick if it’s leaking water and condensation. If the unit is blowing air directly on you, it could also cause a cold or flu.
Is it safe to use AC while water leaking?
There is no safe way to use air conditioners if water is leaking from the unit. If you have a leaking window AC unit, it’s important to turn off the power and call a professional as soon as possible.
Should I turn off my AC if it’s leaking water?
If you have a leaking window air conditioner unit, it’s important to turn off the power and call a professional as soon as possible. Turning off the AC unit may stop the leak, but it could also cause condensation on the unit. Condensation can lead to ice build-up and damage to your air conditioning system.
How do I stop my AC unit from leaking water inside?
There is no easy way to stop a leaking air conditioner unit from leaking water inside. If the unit has been leaking for an extended period of time, it may not work properly and should be replaced.
Why is my AC leaking water from the front?
There are a few reasons why water may be leaking from the front of an air conditioner unit. If the unit is leaking condensation, ice could be build-up on the evaporator coil causing water to leak. Another possibility is that the ac unit drain line has broken and water is seeping inside through the hole.
Is it possible for my AC to freeze?
Yes, it’s possible for your air conditioner unit to freeze if there’s enough moisture in the air conditioning system. Freezing temperatures can damage equipment and make repairs difficult or impossible
Do I need to cover my AC unit when it rains?
It’s not recommended to cover your air conditioner unit when it rains. Water droplets can condense on the unit and create a moisture problem. This moisture can cause damage to the AC unit, coil, or evaporator coil.
Is air conditioner gas harmful?
No, air conditioner gas is not harmful. However, it’s important to use the proper installation equipment and take appropriate safety precautions when installing an air conditioner unit.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing window ac leaking water inside or outside, it is important to check if the condensate drain is clogged. If the drain is clogged, it will cause water to accumulate and leak from the ac unit.
To check if the drain is clogged, use a plunger to suction onto the drain and pull up. If water accumulates on the plunger, the drain is likely clogged and needs to be cleaned.
If water accumulates on the window ac unit itself, the unit may need to be replaced. In both cases, it is important to consult with a professional to resolve the issue.