H2O Drying Solutions

How To Avoid Water Damage From Your AC

Staff

It’s summer and that means the weather is on the warmer side. North Carolina can sometimes experience some pretty hot temperatures during this season and while that’s great for the plants and for us to do all the outdoor activities we love, it can often mean overworking our AC units to keep things cool when we’re inside. When we consider that some of our AC units haven’t been in use for months, it could spell disaster. This time of year we often receive a lot of calls from persons who’ve suffered water damage due to faulty AC condensation lines or AC leaks. We don’t want you to suffer that fate this year so here are some tips for preventing water damage from your AC unit this summer.

Most of the time, AC unit leaks aren’t noticed until the subsequent water damage happens. That is why routine inspection and maintenance are highly important in preventing that water damage from happening in the first place. So what should you be doing in regards to routine maintenance?

• Filter changes. Changing the filter once a month can help prevent the system from overworking which may save you the trouble of frozen coils. Some AC units only require the filters to be changed twice a year, so you should also make a note of that and stay prompt with the changes. Marking up your calendar or setting a monthly reminder on your phone can help you keep track of filter changes. 
• Keep the unit clean. It’s important to clean any dirt that accumulates on the exterior of the unit, or condenser. Try to make cleaning the unit an annual task, and ensure nothing is blocking the free flow of air from the unit. 
• Maintain the drain line. Free flow from the HVAC unit to the drain line is essential. While the system is running, check that the condensation line is open and, if it’s not, make sure to clean the drainage holes. The holes are on the base of the cabinet, and you can use a wire to poke through and make sure it’s clear.
• Install a pump. Installing a pump can help excess water to flow into the proper disposal train. Along with a pump, you can install a safety float which will automatically shut down the power to the system if condensation does start to build up. Doing this will ensure there is no risk of overflow.

There are 3 main reasons why your AC is likely to leak: frozen evaporator coils, overflowing drain pan or clogged condensate drain line. AC’s work by pulling warm air over evaporator coils. As the refrigerant inside the coils absorbs heat, the temperature exchange creates condensation. When your air filter is dirty, air cannot pass through as easily, which causes the evaporator coils to freeze up. Since refrigerant flows through your evaporator coils and requires proper airflow to absorb heat, if airflow is restricted, ice will form and drip water. Frozen coils can be avoided by changing air filters regularly. Your AC may also be leaking because of a damaged drain pan or an overflowing drain pan. Sealing up a cracked drain pan is easy with some wet sealant, or you can let the pros tackle this for you. Finally, the condensate line can become blocked with fungi, algae, and debris. It’s necessary to clear the drain line every once in a while. 

So what should you do if you notice water damage/water leaking from your AC unit?

1. Turn off the unit. 
2. Dry/mop up as much of the excess water as you can. You can remove water from carpets and flooring with a wet vac. You can also set up fans to create cross-currents of fresh air throughout the affected area. A dehumidifier often helps speed up the drying process.
3. Inspect the damage. It may be a situation where you have damaged drywall or baseboards that need to be replaced. You should also be on the lookout for mold or mildew growth. 
4. For added precaution or if the damage is more extensive than you thought, call the professionals. A professional restoration company will use advanced equipment to dry out the affected area, repair the damage and treat any affected surfaces to ensure mold does not grow there. 

Don’t let an AC unit mishap prevent you from enjoying your summer. However, if you do experience a bad AC leak, H2O Drying Solutions is just a call away. Whether you’re in North Carolina or South Carolina, we’ve got you covered. We offer quick service to help you deal with emergencies. Call our 24/7 emergency response team at (877) 251-1752.