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Nutone Central air conditioner leaking at furnace or air handler

Is your NuTone central air conditioner leaking water at the furnace or air handler? The most likely cause is an evaporator coil that is not tilted toward the drain outlet. When the coil is level or tilted the wrong way, condensation can miss the drain opening and overflow. If water is leaking from drain pan (also called a drip tray) without overflowing, the pan may be cracked and need replacement. A clogged condensate drain line, drain tube, or drain trap is less common but can back up water and cause an AC condensate leak or water under the furnace from the AC. Turn off power to the air handler before inspecting or clearing the drain, and use care around electrical components. Checking and clearing an accessible drain is generally suitable for a capable DIYer, but correcting evaporator coil placement or replacing a coil may require a licensed HVAC technician, especially if the sealed system must be opened. Enter your NuTone model number to find the exact drain pan or other replacement part for your specific central air conditioner.

01 - Evaporator Coil Not Tilted Toward Drain

To help the condensate water to flow towards the drain outlet in the pan, most installers will tilt the evaportor coil slightly towards the drain hole. If the evaporator coil is not level, or tilted incorrectly, water will not flow to the drain hole and may overflow the pan.
Common

02 - Nutone Central Air Conditioner Drip Tray

The evaporator is normally tilted slightly towards the drain hole to help the water to drain properly into the drip tray. If water is leaking from the drip tray but the tray is not overflowing, the drip tray is likely cracked and will need to be replaced.
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Common

03 - Nutone Central Air Conditioner Drain Pan

The evaporator is normally tilted slightly towards the drain hole to help the water to drain properly into the drain pan. If water is leaking from the drain pan but the pan is not overflowing, the drain pan is likely cracked and will need to be replaced.
Common

04 - Clogged Drain Tube or Drain Trap

When the air conditioner is running, condensation forms on the evaporator coil and drips into a drain pan. From there the water is directed through a pipe with a trap to a floor drain or condensate pump. If the drain tube or trap gets clogged, the water will back up and overflow the drain pan. If water is leaking from the evaporator pan, it is likely the drain tube or trap is clogged and will need to be cleared to allow the water to flow normally. Be sure to shut off the power to the unit before attempting to remove the clog.
Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my NuTone central air conditioner leaking water at the furnace or air handler?
How do I fix an air conditioner leaking water from the evaporator drain pan?
Can an incorrectly tilted evaporator coil cause an AC condensate leak?
How do I find the correct NuTone drain pan or drip tray replacement part?
When should a licensed HVAC technician repair an air handler leaking water?