How to Prevent HVAC Water Damage – Our Guide

Did you know that your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System can lead to extensive and expensive water damage? If you don’t do HVAC maintenance on a regular basis, you are putting your home at risk of such problems as frozen evaporator coils, disconnected pipes, or clogged drains. 

It’s necessary to get your HVAC system checked by a pro at least once every year to ensure that your unit lasts for many years. This could also help you avoid expensive repair costs. Aside from the annual check-up, you should also inspect your system two to three times a year. Here are some of the things that you need to do to prevent water damage caused by HVAC problems:

How You Can Prevent HVAC Water Damage

Change the Filter Regularly

Your filter can get congested, and this can cause your unit to overwork and cause freezing and defrosting on the coils. This can lead to HVAC water damage. One easy way to avoid this is by checking your filter regularly and replacing it when necessary. It is recommended that you replace the filter at least once a month. Go for HEPA or high-efficiency particulate air filters. If this is not possible, change them at least twice or thrice a year. You should also make sure to check the manual to avoid getting the wrong kind of filter. If the filters are located inside the air handler or the furnace, you might have to hire an HVAC contractor to do it for you. 

Clean the Condenser

This exterior part of the heat pump or air conditioner needs proper airflow for it to work efficiently. However, the condenser won’t be able to do its job if it’s filled with dirt and debris. That’s why it’s essential that you clean the condenser at least annually (preferably before spring). You should also keep a distance of about two feet between your condenser and plants and shrubs. 

Check the Condensation Drain Line

You need to check the condensation line opening when your air conditioning unit runs to ensure the water is flowing to the drain. The amount of water flowing varies depending on the humidity level of the home. The drainage holes have to be cleaned to make sure that there are no blockages. A wire or a paper clip can do this job efficiently. 

You can also flush out the drain line using algaecide twice every year to avoid mold or algae growth. Finally, check that the pipe is in its correct position as heavy rain and wind can knock it out of place, leading to the misalignment of pipes.  

Manage the Overflow Drain Pan

Any water that has overflowed because of a clogged drain line accumulates in a drain pan. However, because of its job, these drain pans can get damaged and start leaking or causing water damage. You can easily check for leaks with the use of a flashlight. If there are none, make it a point to still clean and rinse it with a mixture of bleach and water to prevent mold growth. 

Conclusion

By regularly doing HVAC maintenance, you can keep your system in tiptop shape and prevent expensive repair costs. It will also ensure that you catch any problem early so it can be addressed before it escalates to a bigger issue. By doing the tips shared above, you can prolong the life of your HVAC system, too. However, make sure that you still have everything inspected and maintained by a trained professional at least yearly as they can tell whether there’s something amiss that you did not notice. 

Legacy Heating is a trusted HVAC contractor in Edmonton that can provide you with maintenance, repair, and installation services for your home. Contact us today to learn more about our services!