How to Prevent Your HVAC from Leaking and Causing Water Damage

Your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system can cause extensive water damage if it isn’t maintained properly. Frequent causes of HVAC water harm contain a clogged drain, frozen evaporator coils, and pipes that aren’t connected correctly. 

So, it’s important to care for your own HVAC system at least once a year. That will help to prolong the life span of your unit and prevent additional heating or cooling expenses. The good news is that HVAC maintenance tasks are rather simple to accomplish and do not entail hiring a professional the majority of the time.

How to Prevent HVAC Water Harm

Change the HVAC filter frequently

  • Shifting the filter helps prevent the device from overworking, which may induce freezing and then defrosting on the evaporator coils, resulting in HVAC water damage. Some air filters have to be changed twice per year, others once per month, based on their type and how frequently you utilize the HVAC system.
  • Check the instructions guide first to understand which sort of filter you want.
  • If the filters are inside the furnace or air handler, employ a contractor to change the filters. It requires proper airflow to work efficiently.
  • Any dirt or other debris that collects on the condenser ought to be removed once annually (preferably at the start of spring).
  • Also, make sure that you keep plants away from the condenser and remove any cover from it to ensure proper airflow.
  • Leave at least 2 feet of space between the unit and the bushes or shrubs in your yard.

Keep the condensation drain line

  • as soon as your AC unit is running, check the condensation line opening to remember to see water flowing to the drain. The amount of water that flows is dependent upon the humidity level in the home.
  • Clean the AC drainage holes. Locate the drainage hole on the bottom of the cupboard (underneath the evaporator fins). Use a paper clip or wire to poke through the hole and clean it, thereby ensuring that the AC drainage is kept clear.
  • One or two times annually, flush out your drain with an algaecide to prevent mold or algae from forming. Utilize a commercial alternative or regular bleach.
  • Be sure to correctly connect and set up the primary drain line and crisis drain line.
  • Verify the pipe is oriented properly, as it may be knocked out of alignment.

How to purge drain

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

Put in a condensation pump

  • Another suggestion on how best to prevent HVAC water damage would be to install a condensation pump.
  • Which aids excess water flow to the suitable disposal drain.
  • Additionally, install a security float switch to automatically shut down the power to your AC unit whenever moisture builds up, and there is a risk of water overflow.

Maintain the overflow drain pan

  • The drain pan collects any water that has overflowed because of a clogged drain line.
  • Over time, drain pans made from plastic or metal can get damaged, resulting in leaks and water damage.
  • If you notice leaks close to the drain pan, carefully inspect it for damage using a flashlight.
  • Contemplate patching up little holes or cracks using epoxy glue or substituting the pan altogether.
  • Regularly clean out the skillet. Rinse the pan and clean it using a bleach-water mix to clear out any dirt or mold development.

Have your HVAC system scrutinized professionally

  • HVAC inspection and maintenance can be difficult for homeowners, so selecting a professional is a fantastic idea.
  • Apart from the jobs already mentioned, they can inspect and fix issues associated with HVAC components.
  • Included in these are the ductwork, furnace flames, grills and registers, AC compressors, the thermostat, and more.

Is the HVAC unit causing water damage? PuroClean can help!

For HVAC water restoration, property restoration and mold removal, contact PuroClean today. Learn more from the PuroClean customers right here.