As the weather changes with the seasons, it is easy to forget about the A/C system until next spring. Before you lose track of time, take a minute to inspect your home for water damage due to the heating and cooling system. HVAC systems can cause extensive damage if not maintained correctly.
A clogged drain, frozen evaporator coils, or pipes that are not connected correctly could allow hidden moisture to linger in your home. Over time, this water can degrade sheetrock, wood, insulation and metal At least once a year, your system should be inspected, and serviced if needed, to prolong the life and prevent additional heating or cooling expenses.
Water Damage In St George
Many HVAC maintenance tasks are easy to do, some are better handled by professionals. And definitely call Ally1 Disaster Solutions if you suspect damage. The trained technicians will search out and repair any source of damage. So, even if you have switched from A/C to heat, be certain that there are no hidden leaks now. And here are some general tips to prevent damage in the future:
How to Prevent HVAC Water Damage
Experts say that some of the most effective actions to prevent damage to your home and HVAC unit are also the simplest. Step one – change the HVAC filter regularly. Changing the filter helps prevent the unit from overworking, which can cause freezing and then defrosting on the evaporator coils, leading to HVAC water damage.
Change the filter at least once a month with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Some air filters need to be changed twice a year, others once a month, depending on their type and how often you use the HVAC system. (If you are choosing between brands and price points, buy the less expensive one but change it on schedule.) For safety’s sake, if the filters are inside the furnace or air handler, hire a contractor to change the filters.
Clean And Maintain The Unit
Know your unit; the condenser is the exterior portion of your air conditioner or heat pump and requires proper airflow to work efficiently. Any accumulated dirt or other debris on the condenser should be removed once a year (preferably at the beginning of spring). Keep plants away from the condenser to ensure proper airflow- at least two feet of space.
Maintain a clear condensation drain line. When your AC unit is running, the condensation line removes the resulting amount of water that depends on the humidity level in the house.
Once or twice a year, flush out your drain line with an algaecide to prevent mold or algae from forming. Use a commercial solution or regular bleach.
Make sure to properly connect and install the main drain line and emergency drain line. When you move things around in the closet or attic space, check that the pipe is oriented correctly, as it might be knocked out of alignment.
For another layer of safety, install an overflow shut off device on the drain line to automatically turn off the A/C unit if the drain line backs up. Or install a condensation pump to help excess water flow into the proper disposal drain.
Professional Support
In addition to the simple home maintenance tasks, the professionals can help protect your home. The Ally1 Disaster Solution team will inspect and fix problems related to HVAC components including ductwork, flooring, sheetrock, insulation materials and more.
Knowing how to prevent AC from leaking is not enough to prevent your unit from causing water damage. When leaks occur, the moisture promotes mold growth that can contaminate the air in your home and spread mold spores. You need a team that is familiar with how different building materials can react with water and where mold usually grows. For both HVAC water damage restoration and mold removal, contact us today.
Ally1 Disaster Solutions
In any season, when it comes to water damage cleanup in St. George and Southern Utah, you want the best people handling the situation. Our crew is certified, experienced, and available with immediate response 24 hours a days, 7 days a week for your emergencies.
We use state-of-the-art equipment, while Insurance Claims Specialists work directly with YOUR insurance company. Locally owned and with 20 years of experience in the industry, they are Southern Utah’s most experienced and trusted restoration professionals.
