Did you know that your HVAC system can cause water damage to your property? Having an HVAC system can be considered luxurious, but for different households, it is essential because it can help with the heating and cooling of your home. Without its proper maintenance though, HVAC systems have the potential to cause water damage to your property. A clogged drain, pipes that are improperly connected, and frozen evaporator coils can result in extensive water damage. Thus, it is important to maintain your HVAC system to prevent unnecessary heating and cooling expenses as well as potential water damage.
Warning Signs That Your HVAC Units Need TLC
Below are the signs that your HVAC system needs some repair.
1. Water Leaks
If you notice leaks from your HVAC system or other fluids pooling around your unit, it is evident that you have a problem. The leaks may indicate a problem with the evaporator coil, damage to the condensation line, and clogged drains. There is a possibility of water damage if the homeowners neglect these issues.
2. Strange Smell
If you detect an odd odor in your home, it means that moisture has made its way into your unit’s ductwork, causing mold formation. Also, if you smell a musty or burning odor, you should contact a mold removal professional immediately to address your mold issue.
3. Indoor Humidity
The purpose of your HVAC system is to keep your home comfortable by removing the humidity from the air. If you feel uncomfortable, it means that your HVAC system is not doing its job and needs assistance.
4. Inaccurate Thermostat
One of the warning signs that your HVAC unit needs assistance with is if the temperature shown on your thermostat does not correspond to the temperature in your house. Some thermostats are inaccurate, but if you tune in to the HVAC System and still do not function well, it means that your system has a problem, not the thermostat.
5. Inconsistent temperature
If the HVAC system is functioning well, the temperature should be consistent from room to room. Then, if you see that the other room is freezing while the other is very warm, it means that your unit needs immediate care.
6. Strange Noise
Hearing strange noise is one of the warning signs that your HVAC system needs TLC, and this could mean a problem with the belt, a loose component, or other issues. Some of the sounds that need to look out for is hissing, rattling, grinding, squealing, or clunking.
7. Power Fluctuations
If you notice that your HVAC unit keeps on turning on and off throughout the day, it means that it does not get enough power to supply the system. It is also known as “short cycling” and is potentially a dangerous situation.
Tips to Prevent HVAC Water Damage
Here are some tips to prevent HVAC water damage
1. Clean the filter
Using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, change the filter in your HVAC system at least once a month. It will help prevent the unit from overworking, which can cause freezing and defrosting on the evaporator coils, and HVAC water damage. Make sure to check the manual to what type of filter you need. Also, note that if the filter is inside the furnace or air handler, hire an expert to change the filters.
2. Maintain the condensation line
Make sure to check the condensation line opening when running the HVAC unit to make sure you see the water flowing through the drain. The amount of water that flows into the drain should depend on the humidity level in your household. For at least once or twice a year, flush the drain with an algae inhibitor to prevent mold or algae from forming. Use a commercial solution or a regular bleach. If the drain line is already clogged, remove the paper filter and attach a wet or dry vacuum to the drain line to suck out the clogs. Also, make sure to check the main drain line and emergency drain line to see if it’s installed and properly connected.
3. Clean the condenser
The condenser needs regular cleaning since it is the exterior portion of your HVAC system. It needs proper airflow to work efficiently. Additionally, remove any dirt or debris inside the condenser at least once a year, and keep the plants away from the condenser to ensure proper airflow.
4. Install a condensation pump
Installing a condensation pump can help you prevent water damage. It can help excess water to flow into a proper disposal drain. Additionally, consider adding a safety float switch that will automatically turn off the HVAC unit’s power when condensation builds up, ensuring that there’s no chance of overflow.
5. Maintain the overflow drain pan
The drain pan’s function is to collect any water that has overflowed from a clogged drain line. Drain pans made of metal or plastic can become weakened over time, resulting in leaks and potential water damage. If you see leaks near the drain pan, carefully inspect it for damage using a flashlight. To take action, try to consider patching up small holes or cracks using epoxy glue or replacing the pan entirely. Also, make sure to regularly clean the drain pan by rinsing the pan and cleaning it with a bleach-water solution to clear any dirt or mold growth.
6. Let the expert inspect your HVAC system.
HVAC maintenance is not an easy task to do, especially if you don’t know how the system works. Hire an expert to inspect and fix your HVAC system to avoid any problems that may come if you do a do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance. Also, they can check and repair any HVAC components, including ductwork, furnace flames, grills and registers, AC compressors, the thermostat, and more. Furthermore, experts can also do mold remediation if your HVAC happens to experience moisture development and do water mitigation.
Is Your HVAC System Causing Water Damage Trouble? Call Professionals
Knowing how to prevent your HVAC system from leaking can help prevent water damage to your property. But, in case your home suffers from water damage due to your HVAC system failure, let restoration professionals like Superior Restore handle the situation.
Superior Restoration offers quality water damage restoration and cleanup services. We have highly trained technicians who handle everything from cleaning up to content restoration and mold removal. Our technicians use high-quality equipment that ensures your home is back in excellent condition. Contact our local office, Water Damage Lake Elsinore, for more information.