If your air conditioner’s doing its job on humid Massachusetts summer days, it’s taking many gallons of water vapor out of the air every 24 hours. So if your home air conditioner leaks, we’re not talking minor dribbles — it’s a serious problem that can cause major water damage.
The drip pan underneath the air handler catches condensate and conveys it down a drain line into your home’s sewer system. Malfunctions like a plugged drain can quickly turn into overflows. Because the air handler can be typically installed in an attic, closet or some other unseen location, many gallons of water may spill before the problem is noticed. Costly damage to the structure of your home or possessions may result.
Prevention is the best way to handle air conditioner leaks. Here are a few things you can do to solve this problem before it happens.
- Schedule an annual inspection with an HVAC contractor. A trained technician will inspect the drip pan for buildup of mold that blocks the drain lines, the most common cause of overflows. He or she will also check the evaporator coil, another source of mold that infects the drip pan. The technician will disinfect the drip pan and drain lines and verify that the system drains properly. Time-release biocide tablets will be installed in the drip pan to continue killing mold throughout the season.
- Change your filter on schedule. A dirty filter restricts system airflow. Low airflow may result in the evaporator coil producing excessive condensate that can fill a sluggish drip pan faster than it drains. Ice may form on an evaporator coil due to insufficient airflow, too. When the system shuts off, rapidly melting ice may cause water leaks.
- Ask the HVAC technician about a safety float switch. Installed in the drip pan, it senses high water levels resulting from a clogged drain line and automatically shuts down the system before the pan overflows.
Serving the Route 495/128 region since 1928, Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning maintains dependable all-season comfort for local homeowners. Call us about dealing with potentially damaging air conditioner leaks before they happen.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.
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When you are looking for plumbing, electrical, heating or air conditioning in the Route 495 / 128 area, you will be delighted that you called Massachusetts' trusted choice since 1928.
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