Air Conditioner Leaks: A Common but Costly Summer Claim in Florida
As temperatures rise in Florida, your air conditioner works overtime. But while it keeps you cool, it can also create a hidden hazard: water damage from AC leaks.
Each summer, homeowners across Florida deal with unexpected water pooling around air handlers, wet drywall, and mold behind walls—all caused by leaking HVAC systems. And unfortunately, many insurance companies deny or underpay these claims, blaming poor maintenance or “gradual damage.”
Let’s break down why these leaks happen, how they impact your home, and how to handle your AC leak insurance claim the right way.
Why Do AC Leaks Happen?
In Florida’s humid climate, your AC system constantly removes moisture from the air. That moisture collects in a condensate line and drains away from your home.
When that line becomes clogged—or when parts of the system fail—water can back up and leak into:
- Ceilings (especially with attic units)
- Walls and baseboards
- Flooring and subfloor
- Nearby electrical components
- Air vents and ductwork
Most AC leaks go unnoticed until water damage is significant. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly and document early.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover AC Leaks?
It depends.
Most Florida homeowners policies only cover sudden and accidental water damage—not damage caused by long-term neglect or maintenance issues.
Likely Covered:
- Clogged condensate line causing sudden overflow
- Cracked drain pan
- Burst or disconnected drain pipe
- Damage discovered shortly after the leak began
Often Denied:
- Mold from slow, hidden leaks
- Lack of maintenance (e.g., dirty filters, algae buildup)
- Damage that occurred over weeks or months
Tip: Before removing water or calling a technician, document the damage thoroughly—photos, videos, and cause-of-loss reports from professionals can help protect your claim.
Why Insurance Companies Undervalue These Claims
Even when covered, insurance carriers may try to:
- Pay only for surface-level cleanup
- Ignore damage behind walls or under flooring
- Deny secondary mold remediation
- Underprice the cost of reconstruction
At Property Owner Advocates, we know their playbook. Our licensed public adjusters ensure your AC leak claim reflects the full scope of your loss—not just what’s visible.
What to Do If You Discover an AC Leak
- Stop the leak: Shut off the system and call a licensed HVAC tech
- Document everything: Photos, videos, and plumber/HVAC reports
- Don’t remove materials yet: Save wet drywall, carpet, or damaged items
- Contact a public adjuster: We’ll inspect, document, and handle the claim for you
Get Help With Your HVAC Water Damage Claim
We’ve helped Florida homeowners recover thousands from AC-related water damage, especially when insurers tried to delay or deny their claims.
📞 Let us review your case, inspect the damage, and file or reopen your claim—at no cost unless we recover for you.