What do I do if I think my AC unit is leaking in San Antonio, TX?

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

What do I do if I think my AC unit is leaking?

If your home has been damaged by water from AC leaking or condensation, you need a water damage restoration company with the experience, the skills, and the know-how to reverse the damage and make your space safe from mold, mildew, rot, and other water-related problems. But before we start repairing the damage caused by AC leaks, it’s important to find the source of the problem. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of air conditioning leaks and what you can do about them. The first step is finding the root cause of the problem, and to do that, it helps to have a better understanding of how AC units work. 

How do air conditioners work?

In order to understand why your air conditioner is leaking, it’s important to know how your air conditioner works. Air conditioning systems often use an evaporator coil that absorbs the heat from the warm air inside your home. First, the warm air inside your home is drawn in through a vent and comes in contact with the evaporator coil. Once the air is cooled by the evaporator coil, a fan distributes the cold air throughout your home via air ducts.

What causes an AC unit to leak?

There are several issues that may cause your air conditioner to leak. If these issues aren’t addressed in time, it could cause flooding in your home. If it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem, it is best to consult a professional. 

Some common issues include:

• A clogged condensate drain line
• A dirty air filter
• An old condensate drain pan

You might have a clogged condensate drain line

Imagine you’re holding a glass of cold water on a hot day and condensation forms on the outside of the glass. This is what happens to the evaporator coil as it absorbs the hot air. Inside the air conditioner, there is a condensate drain pan that collects the moisture formed and leads it to a drain line that brings it out of your home. Sometimes, the drain line can get clogged by dirt, dust, mold, or other debris, resulting in water leaking into your home. 

You might have a dirty or clogged air filter

Your AC filter should be replaced about once every month. If your air filter is dirty, it makes your AC work harder, increasing the chances for something to go wrong. A dirty filter blocks the air flow to the evaporator coil, causing the coil to get very cold and potentially freeze. When the frozen coil thaws, it could cause the condensate drain pan to overflow and leak into your home. 

You might need a new condensate drain pan

Over time, the drain pan in your AC unit can erode and rust. This is commonly the case with older AC units. If your AC unit is older than 12 years old, You might want to consider replacing your drain pan. 

AIR CONDITIONER LEAK SAFETY CHECKLIST

HVAC condensation leak safety checklist

Here in Texas, it’s important to keep your AC unit well maintained, as it will be working hard during the brutally hot summer months. A leak can be a sign of a bigger problem with your AC. If you notice leaking, it’s important to take immediate measures in order to prevent water damage and flooding. Here’s what to do as soon as you notice your AC is leaking:

1. Make sure your home is safe and that there aren’t any electrical or slip hazards

2. Remove as much water as you can with either a shop vacuum on wet mode or by soaking it up with a towel. This is especially important if you have wooden floors or walls, as they are very prone to water damage and absorb water quickly.

3. Contact our SERVPRO professionals to help you through your water damage emergency.  

For Water Damage Services in San Antonio, call SERVPRO of Alamo Heights

SERVPRO of Alamo Heights provides convenient 24/7 emergency service, because water damage restoration can’t wait. Our Water Restoration Specialists are highly trained and use advanced equipment and techniques. You can rest assured that we will take care of your home. 

The 5-Steps of the SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Process

1. Fact finding to get to the root cause of the problem

When you first call our water damage specialists, they will ask initial questions that will help them respond to your water emergency quickly and effectively.

2. Asses the problem and create an action plan

Next, our specialists will thoroughly inspect the water damage and create an effective plan of action. This is vital for a successful commercial or residential restoration project. Once the plan is decided, execution begins with water removal. We use powerful pumps and vacuums to quickly remove the water to minimize further damage and prevent mold growth. 

3. Completely dry the affected areas

The next step is drying and dehumidification. While the majority of the water has already been removed, there is still moisture in the floor and walls. We use specialized equipment to alter the temperature and humidity and remove the remaining, hard-to-access moisture. Moisture meters are used to ensure that all the moisture has been removed.

4. Clean and sanitize to minimize mold and mildew

Next is cleaning and sanitizing. SERVPRO professionals will clean your walls, floors, and any personal belongings that were affected by the water damage. Depending on the scenario, we may also use sanitizing treatments. In addition to cleaning and sanitizing, some deodorization may be required. Our specialists use industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment to treat tough and persistent odors.

5. Restore the space… Like it never even happened.

Lastly is the restoration process. This may include minor repairs including replacing drywall, wall panels, carpets and flooring, but sometimes major repairs, such as reconstructing a whole area or room, are necessary for a complete restoration. 

SERVPRO of Alamo Heights are the experts in water damage restoration

It is extremely important to address an air conditioning leak immediately as it could turn into a flood in a matter of days or weeks. In the event that you don’t catch the leak soon enough and water damage has already occurred, you can count on our water damage restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Alamo Heights to restore your home back to its original state!

Call SERVPRO of Alamo Heights at (210) 822-2063 or request help online for all your water damage emergencies!