Did you know that leaking air conditioner (AC) units are a common problem in the home and that they account for more than 90% of repair calls? When an air conditioner leaks, it is usually due to one of three main reasons:
- the condensate line is blocked,
- the air filter is clogged, usually with dirt, or
- the overflow drain pan contains a crack or hole.
A dripping air conditioner may not seem like too big of a problem, but over time, the water that leaks can lead to a much larger problem. When a basement gets flooded due to heavy rains or an appliance breaks down and leaks water, that type of water damage is very obvious to homeowners. But a slow leak in your air conditioning unit is a different matter. AC dripping can occur for weeks or months, causing costly destruction in your home before you even notice the leak. And the resulting damage from a constant drip can end up being worse than more obvious flood damage, and result in hundreds to thousands of dollars in property damage. The added threat of a serious and unhealthy mold infestation resulting from the dampness is also very real.
It is recommended to have an HVAC professional clean your air conditioning unit annually. With this type of regular maintenance, you might prevent what could first be considered an annoying drip from becoming a huge inconvenience from a much larger water problem. Most repairs required to resolve a water leak in your air conditioner are simple and inexpensive compared to the potential property loss if the problem goes unresolved. You might also consider installing water-sensing safety switches that will shut down your air conditioner before it develops into a larger water issue, and also clean the filter at least twice each year to prevent it from getting clogged with dirt and dust.
While it is normal for water to drip from the air conditioning unit into a pan or drain, when water leaks onto the floor, or through the wall or ceiling, you need to address this problem as soon as possible. Call a professional water damage restoration and repair company, and they will track the source of the leak and take steps to address the problem, including drying and cleaning from the water damage. An expert team will fully assess the situation to determine what needs to be done to get your home back to its pre-water-damage state. Professionals are trained to deal with severe water damage, and they have the tools and equipment to properly clean up the water damage from a leaky AC unit as well as search out and handle potential mold infestations.
Cleaning and repairing the areas in your home that were ruined or destroyed by a leak can be time-consuming and expensive. Rely, instead, on a reputable company experienced in taking care of water-damaged property to ensure the damage from your leaky system will be repaired correctly and thoroughly. A professional water damage restoration and repair company will determine the cause of the leak. They will thoroughly dry and treat the area to avoid the potential for further damage and health concerns from a mold infestation. If necessary, some companies also repair structural damage to floors and subfloor, walls and ceilings.
When choosing a water damage restoration specialist, make sure you hire qualified, IICRC-certified professionals. Warren Restoration’s team bring the skills, training, and expertise to any water damage situation. If you’ve discovered water damage from a leaky air conditioning unit, call Warren Restoration right away. Our two family-owned and operated offices are located in Big Stone Gap, VA, and Hendersonville, NC, and we serve an approximate 2-hour radius from each. We can handle any water damage or water leak issue, and thoroughly dry and clean the damage area to restore your home to its pre-water-damage condition.
To learn more about HVAC feel free to follow our useful HVAC maintenance checklist and tips.