Vent, Valve & Volt
AC leaking water inside the house

You can fix this

Likely cause: a dirty filter and coil

Trane lists a dirty evaporator coil as the first cause of an indoor unit leaking water. A clogged filter lets that dirt build up.

Why this happens

The filter keeps dust off the indoor coil. When it clogs, dirt collects on the coil and in the drain pan, water doesn't drain cleanly, and the coil can start to freeze. Trane's heat pump leaking water page recommends replacing the filter every 30 to 90 days.

How to fix it

  1. Set the thermostat to Off.
  2. Replace the filter with the same size, arrow pointing toward the furnace or air handler.
  3. Soak up standing water and clear the drain line with a wet/dry vac and vinegar, since dirt from the coil ends up there too.
  4. Restore power and run the AC, then check the pan over the next day.
  5. Leave coil cleaning to a technician. It means opening the cabinet.

When to stop. If it still leaks with a clean filter and a clear drain, the coil or pan may need professional attention.

If this does not fix it, tell the HVAC technician

  • How dirty the filter was and when it was last changed.
  • Whether the leak stopped after a new filter and a drain flush.
  • When the system last had professional maintenance.

Build the full list: what to tell the HVAC technician.

Start this troubleshooter over

References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
  1. Trane: Heat pump leaking water
  2. Lennox: AC drain line clogged

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