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.