It's normal for an air conditioner to periodically generate a certain amount of water through condensation. Yet when your AC seems to be dripping non-stop, something is probably wrong. If you would like to increase your knowledge of home appliance maintenance, read on. This article will present two potential problems that can cause your air conditioner to leak--and teach you how to fix them.

You've got a crack in your drain pan.

Warm air entering your air conditioner is cooled down by passing through the evaporator, which consists of a series of refrigerant-filled coils. As the temperature of the air changes, water vapor condenses, turning to water on the coils. When enough of this moisture has built up, it begins to drip.

This is a natural process, and one that affects all air conditioners. To keep that excess water from becoming a nuisance, your AC is equipped with what is known as a condensate drain pan. As its name might imply, the purpose of this drain pan is to catch dripping condensation and funnel it away toward a drain.

Unfortunately, over time drain pans have a nasty tendency to corrode. That's because they're constantly exposed not only to changes in moisture, but also to changes in temperature. Eventually, this will cause holes or cracks to develop, and all that excess water will begin dribbling out onto your floor.

To check if this is the problem, you'll first want to remove your air conditioner's front grill. Then remove the air filter. This should allow you a clear line of sight to the drain pan. If you notice any rust or damage, take the pan out. If the problem area is small enough, you may be able to patch it using a waterproof epoxy. Otherwise, you'll need to begin shopping around for a replacement.

You've got a clog in your air filter.

Most people have a hard time trying to figure out how an air filter could possibly lead to a dripping AC. Well, what you've got to realize is that your air conditioner simply can't work correctly when its air flow is impeded. And an air filter clogged with dirt and debris will do just that.

A dirty filter restricts the amount of air that can enter the unit. This means that the small amount of air that does get in will be super-cooled by the evaporator. The water vapor in the air will form ice on the coils. Once your house has finally cooled down and the machine has shut off, this ice will begin melting--hence that recurring leak.

The good news is that all you have to do to correct the problem is switch out that dirty old filter for a fresh new one. Be aware that, especially in the heat of summer, this should happen at least once every three months. If the idea of throwing away all those filters strikes you as excessively wasteful, spend a few extra dollars and get a reusable filter.

For more information or assistance, contact a professional service like Shivani Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.