It can be pretty unsettling to walk past your AC and see a small puddle forming underneath it. When a cooling system starts dripping or leaking water, it’s not just a weird sight. It’s usually a sign that something isn’t working the way it should.
In Los Angeles, where AC units run year-round thanks to the mild winters and surprise warm spells, it’s not uncommon for this issue to pop up. Whether you’re still blasting cool air or switching the system between heat and cool, leaks can appear at the worst possible time. That’s where a professional air con leak repair often becomes necessary, especially when the cause of the problem isn’t obvious. Season Control Heating and Air Conditioning has been helping Los Angeles homeowners with AC repair and maintenance for more than 20 years and offers 24/7 emergency HVAC service when unexpected leaks or other problems appear.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common reasons this happens and how local experts go about solving it.
Common Reasons Your AC Might Be Leaking
There are a few main parts of your AC that help it manage moisture. When any of them get blocked or stop working right, water ends up where it doesn’t belong. Here’s what usually causes those leaks:
- Dirty or clogged air filters can limit airflow, which ends up freezing the system’s coils. When the ice melts, the water doesn’t drain the way it should, and a puddle can form.
- Cracked or clogged drain lines are another big one. These lines move water away from your AC. If they’re blocked or broken, water backs up and drips out near the unit.
- Low refrigerant levels can drop the pressure in the coils, which leads to freezing just like with clogged filters. Once it thaws, the moisture may leak inside your home or near the unit itself.
Any one of these issues can cause real problems if they’re not found and fixed soon.
How Weather in Los Angeles Can Affect Your AC System
Even though it’s late December, that doesn’t automatically mean cold nights and bundled coats in Los Angeles. Temperatures here can swing wildly, with 50-degree mornings turning into sunny afternoons in the upper 70s. That back and forth puts wear on HVAC systems.
There are a few seasonal weather patterns that make AC leaks more likely in Los Angeles:
- Switching back and forth between cooling and heating stresses drains and coils, especially when your unit doesn’t rest for long.
- Rainstorms or marine layers in the winter months add extra humidity into the air. Your AC isn’t always ready for that extra moisture, which can lead to excess condensation.
- Older units with brittle hoses and connectors are more likely to fail when temperature changes stretch the parts beyond their limits.
Even when it’s not exactly hot out, our systems still feel the impact of the local climate. That’s why leaks can seem to show up out of nowhere.
Signs You May Need a Professional Air Con Leak Repair
Sometimes, AC issues are sneaky. But with leaks, there are usually a few clear red flags. If you’re noticing any of these, it might be time for an expert to check things out:
- Water pooling around your indoor or outdoor system, even when it hasn’t been raining
- A musty or damp smell near your vents, which could mean hidden mold or mildew
- Warm or inconsistent airflow coming from the vents instead of cool, steady air
- Frequent shut-offs or short cycles that leave your home uncomfortable
While it might seem like a minor annoyance at first, these small signs can point to bigger internal problems. Ignoring them usually makes the damage worse.
How HVAC Pros in Los Angeles Handle AC Leaks
Leaks don’t always show you what’s wrong right away. That’s why trained technicians run a full inspection before doing any repairs. They don’t guess. They check every part carefully.
Here’s how a proper repair usually goes:
- They start by inspecting the filters and drain lines to look for blocks or cracks that might stop water from flowing out.
- Then they check refrigerant levels and look for signs of frost or ice. That helps figure out if the issue is airflow or low pressure.
- For hard-to-spot problems, they may use cameras or moisture sensors to find blockages hidden deep in the system.
- Once they know what’s wrong, they clean the unit or replace the damaged part. If repairs are needed, they use proper tools to avoid causing more damage while fixing it.
Leaks might feel like small issues, but getting the repair done right means less chance of repeat problems later on. Season Control offers annual membership plans that include two maintenance visits per year, priority appointments, and discounts on HVAC repairs, which can help catch drain or refrigerant issues early before they turn into major leaks.
What Happens If You Ignore Smaller AC Leaks
Putting off small fixes might seem okay in the short run, but it often brings bigger problems later. AC leaks don’t usually just go away by themselves.
Here’s what can happen if a leak sticks around too long:
- Water seeps into floors, walls, or vents and leads to expensive moisture damage
- Mold starts to form in wet parts of the unit or at the air vents, which affects how the air smells and how healthy it is to breathe
- The whole cooling system gets out of balance, which makes it struggle to cool or heat your space properly
- Energy bills climb fast when your system works harder just to do its basic job
Catching and fixing a problem early prevents bigger headaches and helps keep your home dry, clean, and comfortable.
Keep Your System Dry and Running Right All Year
Leaks are one of those things that seem small until they aren’t. A little water today can mean serious problems if it keeps building up. That’s why understanding the common causes matters.
In a city like Los Angeles, where winter doesn’t always feel like winter, our systems don’t get much downtime. That makes them more vulnerable to everyday wear, especially in months like December when they’re switching between warm and cool settings.
Staying ahead of these leaks helps your AC last longer and work better, no matter what the temperature is outside. When issues show up, it’s always better to have a professional take a look before anything gets worse. Keeping your system dry now means it’ll be ready when the hot months roll back around.
Noticing moisture buildup or leaks around your AC might mean it’s time for a professional inspection. Over time, issues like water pooling near the unit or unusual smells can worsen and affect comfort and air quality. We help homeowners stay ahead of damage with reliable solutions, whether the fix is simple or more complex. For dependable support with aircon leak repair, contact Season Control Heating and Air Conditioning today.
