At this time of the year in Georgia, your air conditioner is running full blast all day and night. A leak from your HVAC system can be a nuisance, but it's important to address it quickly to prevent further damage to your home. Here is what you need to do.
The first thing you should do is turn off your HVAC system. We know this is a painful step because you are depending on it to combat the summer heat and humidity, but this will stop it from producing more condensate (moisture) that could leak. Using the thermostat is the easiest and most common way to do this. Locate your thermostat and look for the power button or switch. It might be labeled "On/Off" or have a simple power button symbol. Turning this off will stop the HVAC system from running entirely. If you cannot do that, you can turn it off at the unit itself. Your furnace or air handler unit (depending on your system) might have a dedicated on/off switch. This is usually a toggle switch located on the unit itself. Look around the sides, back, or even near the top of the unit for the switch. You can also turn it off at your breaker box. Every home has a breaker box that controls the electrical flow to different areas. Find the breaker box, usually located in a utility closet, garage, or basement. Open the panel door and identify the breaker labeled "HVAC," "furnace," or "AC" (depending on your system). Flip the switch to the "Off" position.
Grab towels, a bucket or even a shallow pan to contain any dripping water and prevent further damage. Look for where the water is dripping from on the unit. Common drip locations include under the indoor unit (air handler) or near the condensate drain pipe that exits the house. Place the towels or bucket directly under the leak to catch the dripping water. You can also line the area around the leak with towels to absorb any spills. If the leak is near furniture, electronics, or other belongings, move them away from the dripping area to prevent water damage. If the leak is significant and causing a puddle, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up the standing water. Be sure to use a wet/dry vac and not a regular vacuum cleaner, which can be damaged by water.
While containing the water is crucial, this is a temporary solution. Once you've contained the immediate issue, you'll need to address the source of the leak to prevent further problems. Common culprits include the following problems.
· A clogged condensate drain line is the most common reason for leaks. The condensate drain line collects moisture from the air during cooling and drains it outside. If the line gets clogged with dirt, mold, or other debris, the condensate can back up and overflow the drain pan, causing a leak.
· The drain pan itself can develop cracks or rust holes over time, allowing water to leak out.
· If your air conditioner's evaporator coil becomes too cold, it can freeze the condensate on the evaporator coil. As the ice melts, it can overflow the drain pan and leak.
Addressing the leak will vary based on the source of the problem.
· If the drain line is clogged, you can try to unclog the drain line yourself using a wet/dry vac or by pouring a vinegar solution through the line. However, if you're not comfortable doing this, it's best to call a professional HVAC technician.
· A small leak in a drain pan might be patched with a sealant solution. However, for bigger leaks or cracks, replacing the entire drain pan is likely necessary. This is usually a job for a qualified technician.
· There are ways to thaw a frozen evaporator coil yourself, but it's important to diagnose the cause of the freezing first. A technician can help you identify and fix the underlying issue to prevent future freezing.
In most cases, it's recommended to call a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the leak. They have the tools and expertise to safely and effectively repair your system. Due to the complexity and variety of HVAC systems available, it is safer to use a trained professional. If you try to fix it yourself, you may damage the unit further then have to wait longer for the blessed cooler air.
Once the leak is repaired, you still must address the water damage to your home. While assessing the damage, look for warped floorboards, peeling paint, stains on ceilings or walls, or bubbling drywall. These are all signs of water damage that may require repairs. The other concern when it comes to leaks as opposed to sudden water losses is mold growth. Mold can thrive in damp environments. Check for any signs of mold growth, especially in areas that were exposed to the leak for an extended period. Mold remediation is a serious job and should be handled by a professional. Once the leak is repaired and the water damage is addressed, consider scheduling regular maintenance for your HVAC system. This can help prevent future leaks and ensure your system is running efficiently.
If the affected area is small (think coffee cup sized) and there are no visible signs of mold, you might be able to handle it yourself. If no mold is found (seen or smelled), increase air circulation in the affected area by opening windows and using fans. We say this twice because blowing air on mold will cause any mold spores to become airborne which will help spread the mold throughout your home and potentially be harmful to you and your family. Keep an eye on the area for several days to ensure it dries completely. If you notice any signs of mold growth, contact a professional mold remediation company, like ServiceMaster of Gwinnett or ServiceMaster 5 Points.
If the leak was significant, affected a large area, or there's visible mold growth, it's best to call ServiceMaster of Gwinnett or ServiceMaster 5 Points for a professional water damage restoration. We have the equipment and expertise to properly dry out the area and prevent mold growth to restore your home to its pre-damage condition. Consider filing a claim with your homeowner's insurance company. They can help cover the costs of repairs and restoration. We are a preferred service provider for the major insurance carriers and work with all insurance companies to help our customers with water damage, fire & smoke damage and mold remediation.
Remember, addressing an HVAC leak quickly and taking steps to dry out any water damage can help minimize repairs and prevent mold growth. If you're unsure about the extent of the damage or feel uncomfortable handling the water damage mitigation yourself, don't hesitate to call ServiceMaster of Gwinnett or ServiceMaster 5 Points.
