As part of the process of producing chilled air, central air conditioning systems must first remove excess humidity from the air. This excess water, often called condensate, runs through tubes to a drain pan connected to the home's drain system. If the air conditioning system is functioning normally to remove excess humidity, homeowners should not see any evidence of water or moisture on the floor near the system. 

Homeowners who are noticing excess moisture or puddles of water on the floor in the area of their central air conditioning components may be experiencing a developing repair issue, such as one of those addressed here. 

1. Failing condensate pump

If the air conditioning system is one of the models that rely on a pump to move the condensate during the cooling process, its failure could be causing water to build up too high inside the drain pan and begin to leak into the floor. Condensate pumps can stop working due to a loss of power, such as when an electrical switch fails or when the pump becomes worn or damaged. 

2. Blocked condensate drain 

A blocked condensate drain is another common repair issue capable of causing excess water or moisture to become visible on the floor near air conditioning system components. In many cases, blocked condensate drains occur due to the growth of mold or algae, mineral deposits from hard water, or when dirt or debris builds up inside the drain, limiting or stopping the flow of condensate. 

3. Drip pan and drain line issues

If the drip pan or the drain lines that feed it have become cracked, fittings have loosened or some other form of damage has occurred, homeowners may begin to suddenly notice pooling water near their air conditioning system. Depending on the location of the drain line, it may have become loosened or disconnected if bumped during routine filter changes or when homeowners are vacuuming or cleaning dust from the components.

While these are some of the most common reasons for homeowners to notice water or moisture in the area of their central air conditioning components, the problem can also be a sign that refrigerant levels are too low or the evaporator coil is not functioning as it should. No matter the reason, the discovery of moisture or water in the area of your central air conditioning components is not normal and must be corrected as quickly as possible. 

Discussing the situation with a local air conditioning system repair contractor will help homeowners resolve the problem before more serious issues can arise. 

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