As temperatures rise heading into Summer, your AC will work harder to keep up demand for a comfortable, cool home. We see many calls for AC leaking during this time. It can be stressful to see this happening and could cause significant damage to your home if not addressed quickly. Here are some common reasons.
1. Dirty Air Filters
A clogged filter prohibits proper air flow which can:
• Cause evaporator coils to freeze. Air is supposed to flow over evaporator coils keeping them from becoming too cold. If not enough air is flowing through a clogged filter, the coils becomes extremely cold and start to freeze.
• Cause condensation to build on duct work and vents.
What Can You Do?
* Check and replace air filters more often
2. Clogged Condensate Drain Line
Condensate lines move condensation from your AC coil out of your home. If it becomes clogged with debris, water cannot pass through the line and will buildup in the drain pan beneath the coil. If this pan becomes full, water will eventually leak over, causing damage to your home.
What Can You Do?
* Shut down system, locate drain pan and empty of all water. You can clear the line with a thin wire brush but we recommend hiring a professional to do this.
* Have a float switch installed. If the drain pan level gets too high, the switch is activated and will shut down your system before it overflows.
3. Damaged Drain Pan
As mentioned, a drain pan is located beneath your AC coil. If this pan becomes rusted or cracked, water can leak through the pan into your home. Pans can be repaired but we recommend replacing. Pans are custom to your system. Contact your HVAC Company to determine the correct part.
4. Broken Condensate Pump or Float Switch
If your AC is located in your basement, you may have a Condensate Pump and Float Switch to assist gravity in moving water out of your home. If the pump or wet switch malfunction, water will accumulate and your AC system will leak. This will require a service call to your HVAC company.
5. Excessive Condensation Buildup
Condensation is normal in an AC system, excessive condensation is not and can cause a Leaking AC system. Causes include:
• Clogged air filters or clogged air ducts that are obstructing air flow through your home.
• Improper insulation or gap in insulation allowing warm air to meet cold line/vents causing condensation to build up and your AC to Leak
What Can You Do?
* Check and replace air filter immediately if clogged.
* If filters and duct work appear clear/clean, contact your HVAC Company to check for proper insulation.
6. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Frozen Evaporator Coils can be caused by clogged filters or a refrigerant leak in system.
What Can You Do?
* Check and replace air filter immediately if clogged.
* If changing the filter doesn't work, shut down your system immediately to allow coils to thaw and contact your HVAC Company. There may be a refrigerant leak somewhere and they cannot diagnose system until the ice is complete thawed.
We always recommend having annual maintenance to catch any potential issues BEFORE they become reality. Contact Dodge Cooling and Heating today!
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