No, an air conditioner should not leak if it is turned off. When an air conditioner is turned off, the refrigerant circulation and cooling process should come to a halt, preventing any leakage. The refrigerant is contained within a closed loop system, which should remain sealed and intact even when the unit is not running.
However, there are a few exceptions to this general statement:
Initial condensation: In some cases, you may notice a small amount of water near the air conditioner immediately after turning it off. This is typically due to condensation that occurred while the unit was running. Once the air conditioner is turned off, this accumulated condensation may drip for a short period until it evaporates or drains away.
Maintenance issues: If there are maintenance issues or faults within the air conditioning system, such as clogged or damaged drainage lines, a malfunctioning condensate pump, or a blocked condensate drain pan, it is possible for water to leak even when the unit is turned off. In such cases, the leakage is usually a result of a pre-existing problem that needs to be addressed by a professional HVAC technician.
Improper installation: An improperly installed air conditioner could have issues with condensate drainage, which could lead to water leakage. If the drainage system is not correctly connected or positioned, water may accumulate and leak even when the unit is off.
In summary, under normal circumstances, an air conditioner should not leak when it is turned off. If you notice water leakage from your air conditioner, especially when it is not running, it is advisable to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified technician to identify and resolve any underlying issues.