In areas of Central Florida like Lakeland, Plant City, and nearby areas, air conditioning is a must-have most of the year. But did you know that your A/C unit can actually cause more harm than good if you are not careful? We are talking about significant water damage.
Your faithful air conditioning unit can cause water damage without regular maintenance. Read on to learn how your air conditioning unit can leak and cause damage, and what you can do about it.
The condensate drain line can become clogged
The condensate drain, also known as the condensate drain line, is a critical component of an HVAC system. The air conditioner pulls humidity out of the air, and the condensate line gives all of that moisture somewhere to go, preferably outdoors. If the line becomes clogged, condensation will back up and leak, which can lead to mold and other types of water damage. Clearing that line is part of every A/C maintenance visit.
A disconnected drain line can cause leaks
If an A/C system has been installed incorrectly, the drain line may not have a solid connection, which can lead to leaks and water damage, including mold. Even if it has been properly installed, the hose can come loose over time without adequate maintenance. Standing water can pool on the floor, and water can even leak overhead, depending on where the system is located. A correct A/C installation gets the drain pitch and the connection right the first time.
A clogged or rusted drain pan needs to be replaced immediately
The drain pan is where condensation collects before draining into the line that takes water away from the building. This drain pan, when not cleaned or treated correctly, can rust, hold standing water, crack, and develop mold. Any clogs or cracks in the drain pan may push the water elsewhere, like the floor. That is an A/C repair call, and the sooner it happens the less drywall you lose.
Mold and other water damage can get expensive, which is why regular maintenance is critical, both for air conditioning performance and the health of your property. Standing water inside the air handler also drags down indoor air quality throughout the house.
When the condensate pump malfunctions, water will not drain correctly
The condensate pump helps push water through the condensate line so that it does not build up in your system. If the pump fails or becomes clogged, water will have nowhere else to go but onto the floor.
Dirty evaporator coils can cause damage
A dirty evaporator coil can mean the air is not as cold as it should be, and a higher energy bill with it, but it can also cause water damage. With all of that buildup, the evaporator coil can develop condensation, freeze, and leak. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the coils so this situation does not happen. Changing your air filter on schedule is the single easiest way to keep the coil clean, and our list of common air conditioner problems covers the rest.
Do not neglect your air conditioner maintenance
Water can settle into floors and walls, causing drywall damage and mold growth. Second-story A/C units can leak and cause ceiling damage. This can lead to replacing drywall and flooring, an expensive prospect. Scheduling regular maintenance and system inspections means catching leaks, clogs, and other A/C issues before they become a problem. If the unit is old enough that repairs keep stacking up, here are the signs it is time to replace your A/C. A whole-home dehumidifier also takes load off the system in Florida summers.
If a leak already got into the structure, we handle that side too: water mitigation to dry it out and water damage restoration to repair it.
If it has been a while since your last inspection, or if you are seeing signs of water damage in your home, True Plumbers & AC can help. We serve Lakeland, Plant City, Winter Haven, and other nearby areas of Central Florida. Call (863) 667-6364 or schedule online.
