Water Damage Restoration After Air Conditioner Leak

Now that it is summer time here in Atlanta, our air conditioners are working overtime to keep our homes comfortable. Air conditioners are a must-have to survive the hot temperatures and humidity, but one thing about them often gets overlooked – the water damage they can cause. Let’s go over just how the air conditioner works to keep us nice and cool and what that could mean for potential water damage in our homes.

Water Damage Restoration In Atlanta

First, we need to understand just how the air conditioner works. To keep a comfortable temperature inside, AC units have a cold evaporator coil that removes moisture from warm air to cool it down. This moisture is collected by an evaporator coil that then channels it outside of your home. This system allows the air to cool inside the air conditioner unit where it is then pushed back out through your home. When the moisture inside the air conditioner builds up too much, or something obstructs the flow out of the unit and out of your home, the result could leave you in need of water damage restoration. When your cooling system gets a clogged drain, the evaporator coil freezes, or drainage pipes are not connected properly, you may find yourself dealing with water damage as a result. Here are some things we suggest to help keep your air conditioner functioning more efficiently and to prevent water damage:

• This is probably the easiest but most often overlooked chore that can have a huge effect on your entire HVAC system – the air filter. You need to be sure that you are changing your filter regularly to prevent the unit from overworking. When the filter becomes too dirty, the system requires more energy to pull air through which can cause the evaporating coils to freeze. Frozen coils will not efficiently cool your home and, even worse, once the coils defrost the excess water will leak from your system inside your home – resulting in water damage. We recommend changing the filter at least every 3 months to avoid major build-up.
• Another good practice is to check your condensation drain regularly (to make things easier and more convenient for yourself, consider checking the drain every time you change the filter). There should be an unobstructed flow of water flowing to the drain, and not pooling or collecting anywhere else. If you notice a clog or slow drainage, consider flushing the drain with algaecide to remove any build up that may be forming inside. You should also make sure all connections on the drain light are tightly secured so water cannot leak out and cause damage to your home.
• Follow the suggested maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual to ensure your air conditioning unit is functioning to the best of its ability. Schedule routine service and maintenance inspections from a trained professional if you want to prevent any malfunctions or water damage, and catch potential problems before they become bigger. 

If you find yourself in need of water damage restoration this summer, whether from your AC unit or any other source in your home, be sure to call the experts at Serenity Restoration.