While its main goal and result is to keep your home cool and comfortable throughout the summer, your home’s air conditioner unit also produces a large amount of condensation. Without proper care and maintenance, air conditioning leaking may occur. This can lead to the development of mold and severe water damage in walls and ceilings. The best way to prevent water damage is to develop a regular air conditioner maintenance schedule.
Check evaporator coils and drains
Air conditioning leaking can often be traced back to the system’s evaporator coil or the main drain. Often located in an attic space or closet, the evaporator coil produces condensation that drains into the main drain. Clogs in the drain and its emergency drain pain will cause water to build up, leading to water-damaged walls, ceilings, flooring and fixtures. Check the drain system regularly for clogs. Contact an HVAC professional at the first sign of a clogged system.
Check air conditioner filter
Check your A/C’s air filter once per month. Shake out dirt and debris and change clogged filters. Clogged air filters will cause the evaporator coils to work harder, producing more condensation. Replace the filters regularly, helping prevent air conditioner leaking due to mechanical overload.
Cut down the grass and weeds
Outdoors, cut down tall grass and weeds around the air conditioner unit. Like clogged filters, grass, weeds and other impediments surrounding the unit will prevent optimum airflow. As the coil works harder, more condensation is produced, increasing the likelihood of a leak.
Regular maintenance
Contact your trusted HVAC contractor for an annual inspection. Have him treat the system with an algaecide. Algae growth is a common cause of clogged A/C drains. Ask your technician to check for burned out air conditioning components, clogged drain lines and coolant levels. Also, have your evaporator coils cleaned annually. This small maintenance tasks help identify and solve minor problems before they become major headaches.
For more information about air conditioner leaking and regular maintenance, contact Ace Hardware Home Services Inc. We’ve been servicing the greater Dayton area for three generations.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioning leaks and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Ace Hardware Home Services services the Ohio’s Miami Valley. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
