During the summer, your air conditioner will generally run for extended periods of time. But the longer your air conditioner runs, the more condensation your unit will produce. If your air conditioner is not functioning properly, you may be at risk for leaks, mold or moisture damage in your home.
You can reduce the risk of moisture damage by addressing some of the common causes for leaks:
- Clogged drains -- Your air conditioner has a main drain line that drains condensation that your A/C unit generates. Your air conditioner also has an emergency drain, which will release water from the unit in case of clogs in the main drain. If both drains are clogged, however, then your drain pan will overflow, causing leaks and other water damage. Have your drains inspected once a year to ensure that drains operate consistently and efficiently.
- Dirty air conditioner -- If your air conditioner coils or compressor, for instance, are dirty, then your unit will have to work harder to keep your home cool. And the harder the unit works, the more condensation your air conditioner will produce. Sign up for annual A/C maintenance to keep your unit operating at top efficiency, and to avoid these triggers.
- Algae growth -- The presence of water around your air conditioner encourages the growth of algae. Algae in the unit can lead to clogs in the drain lines and other problems. Ask your A/C contractor to use an algaecide treatment to prevent the development of algae in your unit.
In addition to the above steps, you can also perform a few preventive measures that will avoid moisture damage in your home:
- Installing a safety float switch which will automatically turn your air conditioner off when the drain pan is full
- Ensuring that your system's refrigerant levels are sufficient to maximize unit efficiency
- Changing the system's air filters every three months to make it easier for the unit to ensure proper airflow into the A/C, and promote a properly functioning system
To learn more about preventing moisture damage from your air conditioner or other HVAC questions, contact us at Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We supply the Route 495/128 area with expert HVAC service any time of year.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.