How to Fix a Leaking Commercial Air Conditioning Unit
A leaking air conditioning unit in a commercial space isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a serious problem that can disrupt business operations, create uncomfortable conditions for guests or residents, and lead to costly water damage. In humid climates like Florida, excess moisture can quickly turn into mold growth, ceiling stains, and even electrical hazards. Whether you manage a hotel, senior residence, or office, ignoring an AC leak can escalate into bigger—and more expensive—issues.
Understanding the causes behind the leak and taking swift action can save you from unnecessary downtime and repairs. Here’s what you need to know to fix the problem before it worsens.
Commercial AC Unit Leaking
A leaking commercial AC unit is more than just an operational issue—it’s a ticking time bomb for businesses. Water leakage can reduce cooling efficiency, force the system to work harder, and lead to higher energy costs. Worse, persistent leaks create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which not only damage the building structure but also pose serious health risks to occupants.
If left unchecked, moisture buildup can corrode electrical components, causing system failures and safety hazards. The key to preventing costly repairs and operational downtime is recognizing early warning signs—such as water pooling around the unit, increased humidity indoors, or unexpected system malfunctions—and addressing them before they escalate.
AC Unit Leaking Water Inside
When water leaks inside from a commercial AC unit, it’s a red flag that something is wrong. This issue can be caused by a clogged drain line, a frozen evaporator coil, or even a refrigerant imbalance. The consequences extend beyond just discomfort—indoor leaks can damage ceilings, weaken drywall, and create slippery floors that pose liability risks for businesses. In hotels, senior residences, or offices, a water leak can lead to guest complaints, negative reviews, and costly maintenance calls. Worse, unchecked moisture can result in mold growth, which is expensive to remediate and could lead to health code violations. The sooner you identify the cause, the faster you can implement a solution and protect your business from unnecessary disruptions.
Potential Problems That Could Cause Your Commercial AC to Leak
A leaking commercial AC unit is often a symptom of an underlying problem, not just a minor inconvenience. If left unaddressed, these leaks can lead to water damage, mold growth, and system failure—costing businesses thousands in repairs and lost operational time. Understanding the root causes of an AC leak is the first step toward effective remediation. Below are the most common reasons why your commercial air conditioning system may be leaking and what you can do to prevent costly issues.
Evaporator Coil Leak: The Hidden Cause of Water and Refrigerant Leaks
The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from indoor air, playing a crucial role in the cooling process. However, over time, it can develop leaks due to corrosion, physical damage, or wear and tear. One of the biggest threats to evaporator coils is formicary corrosion, a type of damage caused by exposure to air pollutants and moisture, which eats away at the metal tubing.
When an evaporator coil leaks, two major problems arise:
Refrigerant Loss: The system loses its ability to cool efficiently, leading to inadequate temperature control and increased energy consumption.
Water Leakage: As the coil freezes due to improper refrigerant levels, it eventually thaws, producing excessive water that may overwhelm the drain system.
Prevention Tip: Regular HVAC maintenance, including coil inspections and professional cleanings, can help detect early signs of corrosion before a full-blown leak develops.
Dirty Air Filter: The Overlooked Cause of AC Leaks
Many business owners underestimate the importance of a clean air filter, yet this simple component plays a crucial role in preventing AC leaks. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to freeze. When the ice melts, excessive water is produced, leading to leaks that may spill onto floors, walls, or ceilings.
Signs of a dirty air filter contributing to leaks include:
Reduced airflow from vents
Inconsistent cooling despite the AC running
Higher energy bills due to an overworked system
Prevention Tip: Regularly replacing or cleaning air filters—at least once a month in high-traffic businesses—can prevent freezing and ensure efficient system operation.
Clogged Drain Line: A Common but Preventable Issue
Your AC unit’s condensate drain line is responsible for removing the moisture that the system extracts from the air. If this drain line becomes clogged with dirt, algae, mold, or debris, the condensation has nowhere to go and backs up into the unit, leading to leaks.
Warning signs of a clogged drain line:
Visible water pooling around the unit
Increased indoor humidity levels
A musty smell, indicating mold growth in the system
Ignoring a clogged drain line can result in not only AC failure but also water damage to walls, ceilings, and flooring—especially in facilities like hotels and senior residences, where continuous cooling is essential.
Prevention Tip: Regularly flushing the drain line with a mix of vinegar and water can help prevent blockages. Professional maintenance can also ensure a thorough inspection of drain lines to catch potential clogs before they cause damage.
Refrigerant Leakage: A Silent Contributor to AC Leaks
Refrigerant is essential for the cooling process, but when levels are too low due to leaks, the evaporator coil may freeze. Once it thaws, an excessive amount of condensation is produced, overwhelming the drain system and leading to water leaks.
How to detect refrigerant leaks:
Your AC struggles to maintain set temperatures
Hissing or bubbling noises from the unit
Increased energy bills due to reduced efficiency
Unlike clogged filters or drain lines, refrigerant leaks require professional repair, as handling refrigerant without proper certification can be hazardous.
Prevention Tip: If you suspect a refrigerant leak, schedule an HVAC technician to inspect and recharge the system promptly to prevent further damage.
Incorrect AC Level: A Small Installation Mistake with Big Consequences
Many business owners don’t realize that if an AC unit is not installed perfectly level, it can create drainage issues. A unit that is tilted or improperly positioned prevents water from flowing through the drain line correctly, causing it to accumulate and leak.
Common installation mistakes that lead to improper leveling:
Uneven surfaces or unstable mounting points
Improper installation of drain pans
Shifting due to vibrations over time
Prevention Tip: Ensure that your AC unit is installed on a stable, level surface, and check periodically to make sure it hasn’t shifted.
Faulty Components: When Wear and Tear Leads to Leaks
Like any mechanical system, an AC unit contains multiple components that can wear down over time, leading to leaks. Some of the most common faulty parts include:
Cracked or rusted drain pans, which fail to catch and direct condensation
Broken condensate pumps, preventing water from being properly expelled
Loose or disconnected drain lines, allowing water to escape into surrounding areas
These issues can go unnoticed until a major leak occurs, causing damage to ceilings, walls, or floors.
Prevention Tip: Regular inspections can help identify worn-out components before they cause significant damage. Replacing faulty parts early can save you from more extensive (and expensive) repairs down the line.
AC Leak Fix Cost
When it comes to fixing a leaking commercial AC unit, costs can vary significantly depending on the cause of the leak, the system’s age, and the extent of the damage. Some issues, like a clogged drain line, may be relatively inexpensive to resolve, while more complex problems, such as a corroded evaporator coil or refrigerant leak, require specialized repairs that can quickly add up.
For businesses operating in industries like hospitality, senior care, or office management, a malfunctioning AC unit is more than just a repair expense—it can directly impact guest comfort, employee productivity, and even a company’s reputation. Acting fast is critical to avoiding costly system failures, unexpected downtime, and potential health hazards caused by mold growth or water damage.
What Determines the Cost of AC Leak Repairs?
Several factors influence the price of fixing an AC leak, including:
The Type of Leak: A simple drain line flush might be an easy fix, but a refrigerant leak or failed compressor will require more extensive repairs or even component replacement.
The Age of the System: Older units may require discontinued parts, making repairs more difficult and expensive. In some cases, replacing the system may be more cost-effective than repeated repairs.
The Extent of the Damage: If a leak has been ongoing for a long time, water damage to ceilings, floors, or walls can dramatically increase overall repair costs.
Operational Downtime: In commercial settings, every hour without AC can result in lost revenue, unhappy customers, and uncomfortable working conditions for employees.
The Hidden Costs of Delaying AC Repairs
Some business owners assume they can postpone AC repairs to save money, but waiting too long often leads to higher expenses and greater disruptions. Here’s why delaying a repair is never a smart move:
Higher Repair Costs: A minor leak that could have been fixed with basic maintenance may escalate into a major system failure requiring thousands in repairs.
Rising Energy Bills: A leaking AC unit often works harder to compensate for reduced efficiency, leading to increased energy consumption and inflated utility costs.
Health Risks and Liability Issues: Standing water from AC leaks promotes mold and mildew growth, which can cause health issues and create liability risks for businesses.
Damage to Reputation: In hotels, senior residences, or offices, inadequate cooling leads to poor customer experiences, complaints, and negative reviews that can hurt long-term business success.
Why Preventative Maintenance is the Best Investment
Instead of waiting for a leak to turn into a costly emergency, the smartest business decision is to invest in preventative AC maintenance. Regular system inspections can catch small issues before they cause significant damage, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and prolonging the lifespan of the unit.
Proactive maintenance also helps optimize energy efficiency, ensuring that businesses get the best performance from their AC system without excessive power usage. Keeping air filters clean, checking refrigerant levels, and scheduling drain line inspections can prevent many common causes of AC leaks before they require costly interventions.
Conclusion
A leaking commercial AC unit is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a sign of an underlying issue that, if ignored, can lead to expensive repairs, property damage, and business disruptions. The longer a leak is left unresolved, the worse the consequences become.
Whether the issue is a clogged drain, a failing evaporator coil, or a refrigerant leak, taking immediate action is the best way to protect your business from unexpected expenses, system breakdowns, and dissatisfied customers.
Don’t wait for a small problem to turn into a major financial burden. Schedule a professional AC inspection today and keep your commercial AC system running smoothly.
