Rain, Leaks & Your AC - What Gold Coast Owners Need To Know
- Brett Wells
- Oct 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 5
With the recent heavy rainfall on the Gold Coast, many homeowners are facing an unexpected issue: their air conditioners are leaking water. This can be concerning, especially when you depend on your cooling system for comfort. Understanding the causes of these leaks and how to fix them is essential to keeping your home safe and comfortable.
In this article we’ll cover:
Why water leaks often happen during the wet season on the Gold Coast
How your air-conditioning system (and its drainage) can contribute to leaks
The risk & cost of ignoring the issue
What you can check right now
Why you should call in an experienced technician (like Evidiair)
How to reduce likelihood of future leaks
Common Causes of Air-Con Water Leaks After Rain
When heavy rain falls, and humidity is high, your home faces more than just visible rainwater running in gutters. Some less obvious factors include:
Saturated ground, poor drainage, or blocked storm-water / gutter outlets making roof or slab water ingress more likely. According to the City of Gold Coast, property owners are responsible for leaks and water loss on their property, even hidden leaks.
Higher humidity means your air-conditioning system works harder to remove moisture from indoor air, producing more condensate (water) than usual.
If your air-con drain is blocked, or not correctly installed/maintained, that extra moisture has fewer routes to escape safely.
Buildings on the Gold Coast (often raised slabs, sub-floors, patios, lush gardens) may have more risk of water entering or pooling.
When you combine all this, even a minor fault or blockage in your air-con could become a visible indoor leak or worse.
How Your Air Conditioning System May Be Causing The Leak
There are several reasons why your air conditioner might leak water after heavy rain. Here are some of the most common causes:
Blocked Drain Line
A blocked drain line is one of the main reasons your air conditioner leaks. When it rains heavily, debris can enter and clog the drain line. For instance, leaves, dirt, or other particles can accumulate, preventing condensation from draining. As a result, the water backs up and pools around your air conditioning unit. This is not just inconvenient; over time, it can lead to more serious damage.
Dirty Filter
Another common issue is a dirty air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. In fact, studies have shown that replacing dirty filters can improve air flow by up to 15%. When the coil eventually thaws, the excess water may overwhelm the drainage system, resulting in leaks and water damage.
Poor Installation
If your air conditioning unit wasn't installed properly, it could lead to problems, including leaks. An improperly installed unit might not be level, causing water to flow in the wrong direction and leak out. According to HVAC industry standards, a level installation is vital to ensure proper drainage and operation. If settling or shifting occurs, you might need to have your unit adjusted to avoid costly repairs down the line.
High Humidity
The Gold Coast is notorious for its high humidity, which can worsen water leak issues. When humidity levels soar above 60%, your air conditioning system has to work harder to cool your home. This extra effort can lead to increased condensation. If your unit can't manage the excess moisture, leaks become a real possibility. To give you an idea, an air conditioner operating in high humidity can use up to 25% more energy than during dry conditions.
Why It’s Important to Fix Leaks Promptly
Addressing air conditioner leaks right away is vital for several reasons:
Mould Growth
Water leaks can facilitate mould and mildew growth in your home. According to the World Health Organisation, mould can affect respiratory health and even lead to allergic reactions. Remediation can cost thousands of dollars. Don't let small leaks snowball into significant health risks.
Water Damage
If leaks are neglected, they can lead to extensive damages in your home, affecting walls, ceilings and flooring. Repairing water-damaged areas can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the severity. Preventative measures are always more affordable than dealing with the aftermath of neglect.
Increased Energy Bills
A leaking air conditioner can spike your electricity bills. When a unit leaks and operates inefficiently, it has to work harder to cool your home, leading to higher energy consumption. For example, if your energy bills are typically $150 a month, a leak could increase them by 10 to 30 percent, meaning you could be paying an extra $15 to $45 each month.
Homeowner Checklist Before Calling a Technician
Before reaching out for air conditioning repairs, consider these practical steps to troubleshoot the issue:
Check the Drain Line: Look for any visible clogs or debris in the drain line. If it's safe, try to clear any blockages you find.
Replace the Filter: If the air filter is dirty, replace it with a clean one. Clean filters can significantly improve airflow and prevent further issues.
Inspect the Installation: Make sure your unit is level. If it's leaning, it may require adjustments to prevent leaks.
Monitor Humidity Levels: During periods of high humidity, you might want to use a dehumidifier to control moisture levels effectively.
If you try these steps and still face issues, it might be time to call in a professional for a thorough inspection.
Take Action
If you're dealing with an air conditioner leaking water after the recent heavy rains on the Gold Coast, don’t delay. Contact EvidiAir, your reliable local air-conditioning experts, for fast service. Our team is ready to help with any air conditioning maintenance, including emergency repairs, split system services and ducted air conditioning solutions.
EvidiAir Air Conditioning Gold Coast brings:
Local Gold Coast knowledge and urgent response: we know how regional weather patterns impact your A/C system.
Proven experience with fault-finding and leak-related call-outs: we go beyond simple repairs: we check drainage, installation, indoor unit level, and inspect for hidden causes.
Preventative maintenance service plans: to minimise leaks and avoid big bills later.
Transparent quotes and explanations: we’ll show you what caused the leak, how we fixed it, and how to avoid it next time.
Commercial and residential coverage: so whether you’re a homeowner or run a commercial property we’re set up to deliver.
When you call us, you’re getting more than just a repair. You’re investing in reduced downtime, minimal disruption and long-term reliability.
Tips To Prevent Future Leaks (And Protect Your Property)
Schedule air-con servicing at least once a year, ideally before the heavy rainfall/humidity season.
Replace or clean filters regularly: for Gold Coast conditions, every 1-3 months may be appropriate.
Flush or clear your condensate drain line annually, especially if your indoor unit is above ceiling or in difficult-to-access location.
Inspect and service your indoor unit’s drain pan: check for rust or damage.
Ensure outdoor drainage and gutters are clear so roof/run-off water doesn’t pool near indoor/outdoor unit foundations.
Monitor your indoor humidity and run your air-conditioning/dehumidifier appropriately – high humidity stresses drainage systems.
If you upgrade or install a new air-con unit, ensure correct installation and correct size for humidity loads, don’t let a cheap install be the weak link.
Act immediately if you see any leak: early action saves thousands in damage.
If you’re a Gold Coast homeowner or business who’s noticed water around your air-conditioning system, persistent damp patches, or leaks following recent rain – don’t wait. Contact EvidiAir Air Conditioning today for a leak-inspection & air-con drainage assessment.
📞 Call us now on 0414753300
🖥️ Visit EvidiAir for a free quote
We’ll inspect your system, diagnose the cause, and provide a transparent solution, so you can get back to a dry, comfortable home before the next downpour hits.
