Air Conditioner
Finding water or any liquid anywhere it doesn’t belong is a major concern for every homeowner. Other than worrying about the source of the problem and how much it will cost to fix it, you will also be concerned about the potential damages to your home. If you notice that your air conditioner is leaking, act fast, and prevent losses and expensive repairs.
The main sign of water leak in an AC system is water pooling near the unit. You’ll notice water collecting near the interior or exterior side. However, the presence of water doesn’t necessarily mean you need to worry. A professional technician from an AC repair company can assist you in determining whether the puddle is normal or if there is a serious issue.
If you notice the problem, the first step you should take to mitigate losses is to turn off the air conditioner. By doing so, you’ll stop the water flow. Next, clean up the leaked water to prevent further damage to the walls and assets in your home.
If there’s a lot of water, use a shop vac. Your AC system should only leak condensation while running. However, if the air conditioner leaks for a full day or longer, you should contact a professional technician.
Here Are the 7 Actions You Can Take If the AC Is Leaking
Proper Installation
Improper installation of AC systems is a leading cause of water leaking. Before the installation, the ductwork should be cleaned thoroughly. If you have not cleaned the ducts recently, ensure you hire an expert to do it. Another way to prepare for the installation is by clearing the area where the air conditioner will be installed.
If the process is compromised, the system will fail in the future. Ensure that the front part of the unit is cooler than the rear one. By doing so, the water will be drained properly to avoid leaking. The system should be installed with a proper inclination to prevent leakages. Improper inclination may result in problems when it comes to draining water.
Ensure you only hire professional, licensed contractors. Make sure you work with a company with its own employees. Brad Gall Electricians has a team of experienced and tested technicians to do the work.
Clean the Air Filters
The filter helps to catch excess debris and ensure air is clean and cold after passing through an air conditioner. It has fins lined up next to each other and are placed against the coils, through which the coolant passes. If dirt accumulates in the coils, the AC may stop working entirely.
Before you start cleaning the air filters, turn off and unplug your AC. You need to open up the unit to access the filters. Once you have removed the grill, you can reach inside and retrieve them.
Clean the AC Drain Line
AC systems remove moisture from the air to lower the humidity level in a home. The excess condensed water is removed from an air conditioner through drain pipes deposited outside on the ground. Mold and mildew can build up and result in the clogging of the drain lines. Cleaning the drain line will help to get rid of the debris and ensure better performance of the AC.
Repair/Refurbish AC Drain Pan
Usually, air conditioners have primary and secondary drain pans. Drain pans are made of metal and are prone to rust. With time, rusting leads to clogging. Depending on the condition of the pans, you can repair or refurbish them.
Check the Refrigerant
Low refrigerant levels in an air conditioner lead to low pressure inside the unit. As a result, the evaporator coil freezes, causing a similar overflow of water in the drainage pan. A professional technician will evaluate the best leak test for your system. After the testing, the problem can be fixed easily in a visible joint or valve. If it’s something more significant, experts may recommend the replacement of the entire system.
Proper Insulation
The AC system should be sealed properly from the outside. Improper sealing will allow warm air from the outside to enter the unit and get condensed by the cool air it generates. If moisture builds up inside, it starts to leak from the air conditioner. Insulation is primarily used to reduce heat gain or loss from the piping. It will also prevent the icing of water vapor and condensation on cold surfaces.
Repair the Joints
If the drain line and the indoor unit gets damaged, there may be water leakages. The joint wears off with time. If you notice that water is leaking from the joints, contact professional AC repair contractors for repairs.
About the Author:
Jim Pulman has extensive knowledge and experience in Home Building, Construction, and Design. He writes articles in his free time and partners with content creators to share his expertise with the online community.
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