Preventing HVAC Water Damage

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Preventing HVAC Water Damage

If your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is not maintained correctly, it can cause severe water damage. Clogged drains, frozen evaporator coils, and pipes that are not connected correctly are common causes of HVAC water damage. You must care for your HVAC system at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps to prolong the life of your unit and prevent additional heating or cooling expenses. Most HVAC maintenance tasks are pretty easy to do yourself, so there is no need to hire a professional most of the time. 

Preventing HVAC Water Damage

Change your HVAC filter regularly.

• Changing the filter prevents the unit from overworking, which can cause freezing and then defrosting on the evaporator coils, leading to HVAC water damage.
• Change the filter at least once a month with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Some air filters only need to be changed twice a year or once a month, depending on their type and how often you use your HVAC system.
• Check your instruction manual first to know what type of filter you need and how often you need to change it.
• Hire a contractor to change the filters if the filters are inside the furnace or air handler.

Clean the condenser

• The condenser is the exterior portion of your air conditioner or heat pump. It requires proper airflow to work efficiently.
• Once a year, at the beginning of spring, remove any dirt or other debris accumulating on the condenser.
•  Keep plants away from the condenser and remove any cover from it to ensure proper airflow.
• Leave at least two feet of space between the unit and the bushes or shrubs in your yard.

Maintain the condensation drain line

• When your AC unit runs, check the condensation line opening to make sure you see water flowing to the drain. The amount of water that flows depends on the humidity level in the house.
• Clean the AC drainage holes. Locate the drainage hole on the base of the cabinet (beneath the evaporator fins). Use a paper clip or wire to poke through the hole and clear it, thus ensuring the AC drainage is kept clear.
• Once or twice a year, flush out your drain line with an algaecide to prevent mold or algae from forming. Use a commercial solution or regular bleach.
• Make sure to properly connect and install the main drain line and emergency drain line.
• Check that the pipe is oriented correctly, as the weather might have knocked it out of alignment.

How to unclog the drain line

• Sometimes, the drain line gets clogged with algae, dirt, mineral deposits, and even mold or mildew, causing water to overflow into your home.
• Attach a wet/dry vacuum to the drain line (removing the paper filter first) and suck the clog out.
• Consider installing an overflow shut-off device on the drain line to automatically turn off the A/C unit if the drain line backs up.

Install a condensation pump

• To avoid HVAC water damage, install a condensation pump. That helps excess water flow into the proper disposal drain.
• Additionally, install a safety float switch to automatically shut down the power to the AC unit whenever condensation builds up, and there is a risk of water overflow.

Maintain the overflow drain pan

• The drain pan collects water that has overflowed due to a clogged drain line.
• Over time, drain pans made of metal or plastic may get damaged, resulting in leaks and water damage. If you notice leaks near the drain pan, carefully inspect it for damage using a flashlight.
• Consider patching up small holes or cracks using epoxy glue or replacing the pan entirely.
• Regularly clean the drain pan. Rinse the pan and clean it with a bleach-water mixture to clear out any dirt or mold growth.

Is your HVAC unit causing water damage? SERVPRO of Pickens County can help!

Knowing how to prevent AC from leaking is sometimes not enough to prevent your unit from causing water damage. When leaks occur, call SERVPRO of Pickens County (864) 855 - 3993. We will make it "Like it never even happened."