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HVAC Water Damage Risks and How to Avoid Them

HVAC Water Damage Risks and How to Avoid Them
Photo: Unsplash.com

By: Joshua Finley

Water leaks from HVAC systems are unfortunately common, and they can be expensive to deal with. In addition to the necessary HVAC repairs needed to address the water leak, your house may also have property damage. This could include warped drywall, structural issues, mold growth and more. What can you do to protect your home from HVAC leaks and the associated damage and expenses?

How to Spot HVAC Water Damage

Leaky HVAC systems are often caused by pipe issues, frozen evaporator coils, and clogged drains. Some of these issues lead to inadequate cooling throughout your home, higher electricity bills, and strange sounds. Even if you don’t detect issues with the performance of your HVAC system right away, you could spot signs of water damage. These include wet or discolored walls, brownish water rings, a musty smell, uneven wall surfaces, paint damage, and warped floors. If you spot any of these concerning signs, you should inspect your HVAC system to look for moisture and take steps immediately to properly address the situation.

How to Prevent HVAC Water Damage

The premier way to prevent water damage caused by your HVAC system is to keep your system maintained. Routine maintenance service should be completed annually. Often, this is done prior to the start of the cool weather or warm weather seasons. During maintenance service, the HVAC technician will clean the equipment and replenish fluids as needed. Any developing issues will be identified and addressed before they become problematic. In addition to helping you avoid repair problems, HVAC maintenance service can improve the performance of your system and optimize energy efficiency.

There are also steps that you can take to care for your system, such as replacing the air filter regularly and clearing vegetation away from the outdoor condenser unit. In between maintenance services, you can clean the drain line by flushing it with algaecide or bleach. The installation of a condensation pump reduces the risk of an overflow. When cleaning the drain line, also clean the drain pan to remove dirt and mold that could block the line.

How to Repair HVAC Water Damage

Before addressing the water damage in your home, focus on the cause of the problem. First, turn off your HVAC system to prevent additional water damage. If you identify an issue with the drain pan or line, you could address these issues yourself by cleaning them. You can also replace your old air filter. Issues with the pump, condenser and pipes, however, should be diagnosed and repaired by a licensed HVAC specialist. To address water damage in your home, the affected area should be dried out to lower the risk of mold growth. Affected drywall, cabinetry, furniture, and other features may need to be replaced.

Various components of your HVAC system can contribute to water damage, but many leaks can be prevented with regular maintenance. If you notice signs of a potential leak, it’s advisable to address the issue promptly to minimize further damage and maintain your HVAC system’s condition.

Published by: Martin De Juan

(Ambassador)

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