An air conditioner that’s working hard not only cools, but also dehumidifies your home.
Condensation forms as air flows across the cold evaporator coil. This water is usually drained away safely. Sometimes, however, a problem that causes the water to leak or overflow the drain pan develops. Use the following tips to prevent water damage when your air conditioner’s working hard.
- Get professional maintenance: Schedule regular preventive maintenance with your HVAC contractor. A tune-up and inspection of your cooling system should be done at least once a year, preferably at the start of the cooling season. The maintenance routine should include a check of the main and emergency drains. The evaporator coils, where condensation forms, should also be cleaned.
- Do your own maintenance: Change the air filter regularly to keep your indoor air fresh and provide the air conditioner with the airflow it needs to work properly. Trim grass, tree limbs, shrubs and other vegetation to provide at least 2 feet of clearance around the outdoor unit and 5 feet of open space above it.
- Use a safety float switch: Install a safety float switch in the drain pan. As the water level in the pan rises, so does the switch. When the water reaches a particular level, the switch will activate and shut off the air conditioner. This will prevent an overflow and let you know that you need to call your service technician.
- Use algaecide: Ask your technician to treat the system with algaecide. This will keep algae from growing in the pipes and drain pan. Algae is a major cause of blockages.
- Check the drain pipes: Keep an eye on the emergency drain pipe. If you see water coming out of this pipe, the primary drain is probably blocked, and there is a danger of an overflow. Shut off your air conditioner, and call for repair.
Rheem Pro Partner serves the Denver metro area with expert heating and air conditioning sales, service, and maintenance. Contact us today for more information on preventing water damage when your air conditioner’s working hard.
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