• February 15, 2025

How to Avoid Water Damage from HVAC

Your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system can cause extensive water damage if it isn’t maintained correctly. Common causes of HVAC water damage contain a clogged drain, suspended evaporator coils, and pipes which aren’t connected correctly. 

So, it’s important to care for your HVAC system at least once a year. This will help to prolong the life span of your unit and prevent extra heating or cooling costs. The good news is that HVAC maintenance jobs are quite easy to do and do not involve hiring a professional the majority of the time. You can find them here and know more.

How to Prevent HVAC Water Harm

Change the HVAC filter regularly

  • Shifting the filter helps prevent the unit from overworking, which can induce freezing and then defrosting on the evaporator coils, leading to HVAC water damage.
  • Change the filter at least one time every month using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Some air filters have to be changed twice a year, others once a month, based on their type and how frequently you utilize the HVAC system.
  • Assess the instructions manual first to know which sort of filter you need.
  • If the filters are inside the furnace or air handler, hire a contractor to change the filters.

Clean the condenser

  • The condenser is the outside part of your air conditioner or heat pump. It requires proper airflow to operate efficiently.
  • Any dirt or other debris that collects on the condenser should be removed once a year (preferably at the beginning of spring).
  • In addition, make sure to keep plants away from the condenser and eliminate any cover out of it to ensure proper airflow.
  • Leave at least two feet of distance between the device and the shrubs or trees in your yard.

Keep the condensation drain line

  • When your AC device is running, check the warmth line opening to make sure you see water flowing to the drain. The quantity of water which flows depends on the humidity level in the home.
  • Clean the AC drainage holes. Locate the drainage hole around the base of the cabinet (beneath the evaporator fins). Use a paper clip or wire to poke through the pit and clear it, thus ensuring the AC drainage is maintained clean.
  • One or two times annually, flush out your drain line with an algaecide to prevent mold or algae from forming. Use a commercial alternative or regular bleach.
  • Be sure to properly connect and install the main drain line and crisis drain line.
  • Verify that the pipe is oriented correctly, as it might be knocked out of alignment.

The best way to unclog the drain

  • Sometimes, the drain gets clogged with algae, dirt, mineral deposits, and even mold or mildew, causing water to overflow in your home. Check out this mold removal company to learn more.
  • Attach a wet/dry vacuum into the drain (removing the paper filter first) and suck out the clog.
  • Consider installing an overflow shut-off device on the drain line to automatically turn off the A/C unit if the drain line backs up.

Install a heating pump

  • Another tip about how best to prevent HVAC water damage would be to put in a heating pump.
  • Which aids excess water flow to the proper disposal drain.
  • Additionally, put in a safety float switch to automatically shut down the power to your AC unit whenever moisture builds up, and there’s a risk of water overflow.

Maintain the overflow drain pan

  • The skillet collects any water which has overflowed because of a clogged drain line.
  • Over time, drain pans made of metal or plastic can get damaged, leading to leaks and water damage.
  • If you become aware of leaks near the drain pan, then carefully inspect it for damage using a flashlight.
  • Consider patching up little holes or cracks using epoxy glue or replacing the pan entirely.
  • Regularly clean the drain pan. Rinse the pan and clean it using a bleach-water mix to clear out any mold or mold development.

Have your HVAC system scrutinized professionally

  • HVAC inspection and maintenance can be difficult for homeowners, therefore selecting a professional is a fantastic idea.
  • Apart from the tasks already mentioned they could inspect and fix issues associated with HVAC components.

Is the HVAC unit resulting in water damage? PuroClean can help!

When leaks occur, the moisture promotes mold growth that could contaminate the air in your house. For HVAC water damage restoration and mold removal, contact PuroClean today. Visit them here for more information.