If you’re a typical resident in the Minneapolis metro area, it’s highly likely that you find yourself running your air conditioner non-stop during our humid summers. Unfortunately, a certain number of homeowners experience water or moisture damage in their homes, sometimes resulting in a ceiling collapse. This occurs because air conditioning systems produce more condensation than expected, leading to significant damage that often remains hidden until issues like mold and decaying wood are discovered.

The issue usually arises when condensation from the evaporator coil encounters an obstruction, causing an emergency drain pan backup. To prevent moisture damage while your air conditioner is constantly running, watch out for signs such as water flowing from a pipe near the top of an exterior wall, running down inside the wall, or seeping through the ceiling. If you notice these indicators, immediately turn off the air conditioner and contact your Crystal heating and air conditioning technician to clear the blockage in the drain line.

Other factors that contribute to water damage include burned condenser contacts, dirty coils, mineral deposits, insect or rodent nests within the system, or low refrigerant pressure. These problems can strain the evaporator and create a cycle of freezing and defrosting, leading to excessive water flow that the drain cannot handle.

To minimize the risk of water damage, reach out to your HVAC contractor for the following:

• Schedule an annual professional inspection and preventive maintenance for your air conditioning equipment. This includes checking the drain pan, emergency drain lines, and replacing filters. Your HVAC contractor will also clean the coils, assess refrigerant pressure, and identify any blockages or burnt contacts, allowing them to address necessary repairs before a major problem arises.
• Consider an algaecide treatment to prevent clogs caused by algae growth.
• Install a safety float switch that automatically shuts off the A/C system when standing water accumulates.
• If your contractor determines that the A/C wasn’t initially installed correctly, they may recommend re-installing drain lines to ensure proper drainage.

Between professional visits, homeowners should:

• Regularly change the air filter, ideally on a monthly basis or whenever it becomes dirty or clogged.
• Keep the area around the outdoor condenser unit clear of tall grass and shrubbery. Debris can restrict airflow, potentially causing strain on the evaporator coil.

If you have any questions or concerns about moisture damage in your Twin Cities area home, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. You can visit our website or give us a call for assistance.

Our primary objective is to educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues related to Golden Valley heating and cooling systems.

If you’re feeling uncomfortable in your home despite running your air conditioner, you might be contemplating whether to repair it or replace it entirely. This is especially true if your AC is old and exhibiting strange behavior.

Typically, when air conditioners reach the ten-year mark, they start showing signs of declining performance. Older AC units, depending on usage and location, are likely to consume excessive energy due to aged components and a lack of advanced technology for power efficiency. If you notice a consistent increase in your utility bills, it would be more sensible to invest in a new air conditioner rather than attempting to revive a failing unit.

Apart from providing cool air, your air conditioner also plays a crucial role in maintaining humidity levels in your house. It achieves this through an evaporator coil that condenses water vapor from the air, a process similar to the condensation that forms on the outside of a glass containing a cold beverage. When hot, humid air in your home comes into contact with the AC’s cold evaporator coil, the moisture is extracted from the air, reducing the humidity indoors. The collected liquid is then drained outside, removing it from your home.

If you frequently experience a sticky feeling at home while your AC is running, it may indicate that your air conditioner is ineffective at dehumidification or that it’s not the appropriate size for your home.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning, a leading HVAC company in Anoka MN, can assist you in determining whether it’s best to repair or replace your current air conditioner. We offer a range of new air conditioners equipped with features that enhance home comfort without significantly increasing energy bills.

Features of the Lennox Elite® Series XC14 Air Conditioner

The Lennox XC14 air conditioner boasts a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of up to 14.00, which can save you hundreds of dollars in cooling costs annually compared to older models.

This air conditioner comes with a 10-Year Limited Warranty on the compressor and a 5-Year Limited Warranty on covered components. Additionally, the XC14 may be eligible for valuable 10-Year Limited Extended Warranty coverage with product registration.

The XC14 is ENERGY STAR-qualified, a trusted symbol for energy efficiency supported by the government. It allows consumers to easily identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without compromising performance, features, and comfort. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants resulting from inefficient energy use, the XC14 meets or exceeds EPA guidelines for energy efficiency.

Every component of the XC14 has undergone extensive testing in our research labs to ensure reliable performance throughout the cooling season, providing you with peace of mind.

The XC14’s precision scroll compressor includes a sound-dampening system, guaranteeing smooth and quiet operation, allowing you to relax and enjoy the perfectly cooled air.

Operating at sound levels as low as 70 dB, the XC14 is significantly quieter than standard air conditioners.

The precision-engineered scroll compressor with a sound-dampening system ensures low noise levels and durability, even in extreme weather conditions.

Its precision-balanced direct-drive fan offers quieter operation and extends the lifespan of the equipment.

The XC14 is compatible with the Humiditrol® whole-home dehumidification system, further enhancing your home environment’s comfort while improving air quality.

Its PermaGuard™ Cabinet features heavy-gauge, galvanized steel construction, a louver coil guard, a baked-on powder finish, and a durable zinc-coated steel base, providing long-lasting protection against rust and corrosion.

The SmartHinge™ louver design enables quick and easy access to interior components from all sides for cleaning and maintenance, safeguarding coils from damage and maintaining a clean appearance.

Drainage holes prevent harmful moisture from accumulating inside the base pan.

The XC14 uses Chlorine-free R-410A refrigerant, delivering exceptional comfort without harming the environment.

For more information about this energy-efficient air conditioner, contact Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. As a Premier Lennox Dealer, we pride ourselves on delivering unmatched workmanship and unparalleled customer service. We are your trusted Champlin AC repair and installation contractor, dedicated to ensuring your comfort and peace of mind.