An air conditioner experiencing a leak can continue operating for a short period, but its lifespan depends entirely on whether the leak involves water or refrigerant. If it is a water leak caused by a clogged drain, running the system will cause continuous flooding until a safety switch trips. If it is a refrigerant leak, running the system will cause evaporator coils to freeze solid, ultimately burning out the expensive compressor motor within days or weeks. Verification: Shut down the cooling system immediately upon discovering any leak to protect equipment longevity.
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