Did you know that your HVAC system has the potential to cause water damage to your business or home property? If you are not regularly maintaining the drains, evaporator coils, and pipes you may soon have a problem on your hands.
Regular maintenance on these heating and cooling units will not only save you from possible water damage which can be a costly exercise to deal with, but it will also prolong the life of the HVAC system and its running issues.
Warning Signs your HVAC System Needs Maintenance
A leaking or malfunctioning HVAC system can be disastrous to your business or home property, but luckily there are some telltale signs that the unit is not doing so well. Here are a few things to look out for:
Lingering Smells
If there are lingering smells in your home, perhaps the curry from dinner a few nights ago, or at your business it may be that there is a problem with air movement. A moldy/musty smell could mean moisture has found its way into the ductwork of your unit, and this may lead to mold growth. An electrical burning odor could indicate that your HVAC system is overheating – time to turn off your unit and call in the big guns.
Water Leaks
When you start seeing leaks from your HVAC system, it’s more evident that you have a problem. The leaks may indicate a frozen evaporator coil, damaged condensation line, or even a clogged drain. These leaks, if not spotted early, can lead to water damage to your property and the build-up of mold.
5 Ways to prevent water damage from your HVAC system
- Change the Filter
You will need to change the filters once a month, although some only need to be changed twice a year, so make a note to do the changes on time. Changing the filter will help prevent the system from overworking, which can lead to the freezing of the coils.
- Keep it Clean
Your air conditioner needs proper airflow to work effectively, so cleaning accumulated dirt on the exterior of the unit, or condenser, needs to be done at least once a year. Also make sure the condenser isn’t covered with anything or objects aren’t placed to close, to keep the airflow free-flowing.
- Maintaining the Drain Line
You will want to check that the water in your HVAC system is flowing freely to the drain. While the system is running, check that the condensation line is open and, if it’s not, make sure to clean the drainage holes. The holes are on the base of the cabinet, and you can use a wire to poke through and make sure it’s clear.
- Install a Pump
By installing a condensation pump to your HVAC system, you will help excess water to flow into the proper disposal drain. Along with a pump, you can install a safety float which will automatically shut down the power to the system if condensation does start to build up. Doing this will ensure there is no risk of overflow.
- Call in the Professionals
If this all sounds too much for you, why not hire a professional to maintain your HVAC system on a regular basis. They will also be able to inspect and fix problems concerning the ductwork, AC compressors, the thermostat, and more.
Water Damage
Water damage is more than just an annoying problem. It can be devastating to your business or home property, possessions, and the health of employees or family. If left untreated even over just 48 hours, a minor leak could escalate into a full-blown mold infestation. We at Restoration 1 hope to help businesses and homeowners prevent such a terrible situation.
When you call Restoration 1 for water damage restoration, we send our certified specialists within the hour. Our trained technicians, with advanced equipment, mitigate water issues, so your property is like new again. As the leading provider of water and mold damage restoration, Restoration 1 has earned a solid reputation in property restoration.
For 24-hour water damage restoration and cleanup, call your local Restoration 1 immediately or find out more online. We’ll send our best within an hour of your call!
