Avoid Water Damage Caused By Air Conditioners

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

You should have your air conditioner inspected annually to prevent any damage or loss of property.

Here in sunny Florida, air conditioners are a warm weather necessity. Now that fall is here and winter is right around the corner, it is the perfect time to show your air conditioner the tender loving care it needs in order to avoid any water damage to your home.

When an air conditioner is not running properly, it can begin leaking water. Air conditioners commonly leak water when a pump is broken, the outside temperature is too cold, or there is air leakage because the seal is not tight enough. When issues with air conditioners occur, the ice within the unit melts, causing water to overflow from the pan and cause damage to ceilings, floors, and drywall.

As with every appliance, maintenance and upkeep are key when it comes to getting the most out of the product. Keeping air conditioners properly maintained can prevent any of this from happening, so that when the hot and humid summer days roll back around, cool air is easily available.

Here are some tips on how to maintain your air conditioner so that it is summer ready.

Have Your Air Conditioner Inspected

This should be an annual process done by an experienced SERVPRO of Osceola County technician. The inspections include checking the drains, the coils, and the contacts. If any repairs are needed, the technician will make sure it is serviced immediately. During an inspection, SERVPRO technicians will check the refrigerant levels, test for any leaks, check for duct leakage in the system, measure the evaporator coil airflow, inspect the electric terminals, clean and tighten any loose electric terminals, and check belts and oil motors. Lastly, technicians will check the accuracy of the thermostat indoors and ensure that it is monitoring airflow correctly.

Purchase an Algaecide Treatment

The algaecide treatment ensures that algae does not grow within the air conditioner and lead to clogged rain. It is a reasonably priced treatment and is worth it in comparison to having to purchase a new air conditioner as a result of algae growth.

Change the Air Conditioning Filter Regularly

Once a month, your air conditioning filter should be changed and replaced with a new, fresh one. Dirty filters, a well as any tall grass or shrubs too close to the air conditioner can restrict air from entering the unit. When air is restricted, the air conditioner works harder and risks the chances of further damage occurring to the unit.

Condensate the Drains

The drains are the main area that water, whether it be frozen or condensed travels in an air conditioner so make it a point to run a stiff wire through the unit’s drains annually to prevent a unit from reducing humidity. The result of a clogged drain could be moisture that can damage walls and carpet.

Invest in an Overflow Shut Off Device

This device is installed on the drain line and prevents drain back up that could possibly result in water overflowing from the air conditioner, resulting in damage. It simply shuts the air conditioner off if there are any backups in the drain. If that is the case, you will notice that your air conditioner is not running and that you should call a SERVPRO of Osceola County technician to come inspect the issue.

Prepare for Winter

Since the air conditioning will not be used in the winter months, cover any room air conditioners or remove and store them. If you have an outdoor unit, cover the air conditioner to protect it from debris. Everyone needs a break sometimes and this includes your air conditioner. If it is in good condition, give it the winter months to be off duty.

SERVPRO has a trusted staff of experienced technicians who are available 24-7 to inspect, repair, and restore any water damage caused by air conditioning leaks. If your air conditioner seems to be leaking water or is not functioning properly, it is crucial to take care of the issue as soon as possible so that it can be resolved quickly and further damage does not occur.