Preventing HVAC Water Damage

The weather is getting colder and that means it will be time to put the air conditioners away for the season if you haven’t already. Before putting it away for the winter months, it’s important to have it serviced and check for any maintenance issues, so it is prepared for the upcoming year. If you don’t service your air conditioner properly, you could end up with malfunctions that could cause a great deal of water damage to your home. Here are some common air conditioner malfunctions and tips for preventing HVAC water damage. 

young woman adjusting clean and maintenanced air conditioner preventing HVAC water damage

Air Conditioner Malfunctions that Can Cause Water Damage

Clogged Drains

One of the most common air conditioner malfunctions is having a clogged drain. If you notice your air conditioner isn’t performing correctly, the first thing you should do is check the drain. When the drain becomes clogged with dirt, debris, mold, or algae it can prevent the water and condensation from flowing properly throughout the system. It’s important to consult a professional A/C technician to help you with unclogging drains so it is done correctly. 

Dirty Condenser

The condenser is the outer piece of the air conditioner where the vent is, and where the air comes through. If this is dirty or clogged, it will prevent the air from flowing correctly. It will also make your air conditioner work extra hard to pump out the cool air, resulting in higher energy bills. The condenser should be cleaned at least once a year to keep your air conditioner working properly. 

Clogged Air Filter

Air filters can be located in two different spots within your air conditioning unit, at the top of the unit or inside. Changing and cleaning your air filters regularly is important to prevent your system from overworking. If your air conditioner works too hard it can cause freezing and defrosting leading to HVAC water damage in your home. You should change the filters at least once, if not twice, every year.  

Tips for Preventing HVAC Water Damage

Turn off Air Conditioner & Assess Damage

If you notice any sort of HVAC water damage in your home, the first step is to turn your air conditioner off immediately. Examine your A/C unit for signs of malfunction and determine if it’s a quick fix that you can handle or one where you will need to bring in a professional. 

Start Drying

Your next step for preventing HVAC water damage is to dry up all moisture that the malfunction brought into your home. This includes mopping up any leaks and puddles, removing water from carpets and flooring, and setting up fans throughout the house to create a consistent airflow for drying. Dehumidifiers can also help get rid of any excess moisture. 

Call a Water Damage Restoration Professional

If the extent of the HVAC water damage is too large for you to handle on your own, it’s important to call a professional. An air conditioner malfunction can lead to water damage, mold growth, structural damage, soaked flooring, and more. A team of water damage restoration professionals can help address the damage quickly and correctly. 

Finding Water Damage Restoration Professionals in Albany, NY

Hiring water damage restoration professionals is the key to addressing water damage and getting your home put back together quickly and efficiently. The team assesses the water damage and creates a restoration plan that covers you and your home from point A to point Z.  

Professional Fire Restoration should be the first call you make after experiencing any kind of water damage in your home. We have over 35+ years of experience of turning crisis into calm. We’re here to help you along your path to starting new. Contact us today so we can help clean the water damage in your home and repair it to what it was or make it even better.