What’s Truly Happening With Your HVAC Leaks
The dangers of an HVAC system are scary, yet unobtrusive. Costly, yet hiding in plain sight. It can be an issue that persists without warning. If homeowners are not careful with their heating system and the components that keep it operational, leaks will happen and cause untold damage.
Thankfully, there are steps they can take to prevent an HVAC leak from happening. The article below will go over how an HVAC system can leak, how it is repaired, and the benefits of ongoing maintenance.
Leaks In Your HVAC System: The Real Truth
A leaking HVAC system is not as uncommon as a homeowner may think. They can develop and progress quickly causing damage before they are even aware there is a problem. Leaks can cause significant damage to the system, home, and surrounding belongings.Pooling water can create mold and mildew, plus it can cause damage to the furnishings and other items in its path. Water can also pose a risk to electrical components within the system, or the wiring in the walls that are close by.
Unfortunately, a small leak is capable of turning into a large problem very quickly. When a homeowner’s system is dripping, that small amount of moisture can quickly accumulate to an amount that will cause serious problems.
Beyond that, dripping can turn into a steady stream, which can turn into a geyser within a 24-hour time frame. Overall, the most important thing to do is to have the leak fixed as soon as possible. Before doing that, however, residents need to know where the problem is coming from, which is the next topic.
The Reasons Behind An HVAC Leak
Determining the cause of an HVAC leak is not always simple. As the system typically runs the heat and air conditioning, the problem can stem from different components and parts. Luckily, one of the best ways to narrow it down is by determining the temperature. If the weather is cold, here are the most common reasons it could be leaking:
- Condensation Leak: This leak would typically come from the bottom, and it’s only found in high-efficiency furnaces.
- Heat Exchanger: The heat exchanger can also cause water to leak from the system, although this is a less-likely and higher cost repair.
- Humidifier Leak: If the system has a humidifier, it can be the problem behind excess moisture. Usually, this can be corrected with proper annual maintenance.
- Expansion Tank: Systems with an expansion tank can also leak water, however, it will usually drip from the relife valve itself.
If the weather is warm, leaks can be caused by the following:
- Drain Line: If the drain line becomes clogged, it can overflow into the drain pan causing a flood. This is typically the most common reason for a leak.
- Low Refrigerant: The refrigerant is what cools the air in your home. If there is not enough, the system will have more condensation thus causing a refrigerant leak.
- Condensate Pump: If the pump is not working properly, it will not be able to move the moisture as it should causing excess water to appear.
- Draine Line: Lastly, a disconnected drain line will allow the water to flow into your attic or basement.
There are other possible reasons for leaks, however, these issues are the most common. When a leak occurs, a professional should be contacted for assistance as soon as possible.
How An HVAC Leak Is Corrected
When an HVAC tech is needed to repair a leak, their first job will be to identify the issue. As mentioned above, narrowing the problem down to either the heater or AC is the first step. Beyond that, the technician may need to run some further diagnosis to figure out which area needs to be repaired.
For the most part, finding the cause is simply a matter of deduction. For example, if the problem is the air conditioner, checking the most likely and easiest component will come first. This will include changing the air filter, checking the drainpipe and drain pan.
If those components are not the issue, the next step will be to eliminate other issues which can take more time. Take the refrigerant coil. Though less likely, this can be the cause of the leak. Draining the coils and sending soapy water through the line can indicate a problem.
Regardless, a professional HVAC expert will be able to troubleshoot, locate, and repair the problem without any further damage and inconvenience to the homeowner.
How To Prevent An HVAC Leak
Leaks in a homeowner’s HVAC system are more common than they may think. They can happen at any time of the year, plus any time during the day or night. It’s unfortunate to note, they typically happen at the most inopportune moment, as well.A flood in the basement or attic can cause significant damage to a home. A small leak, however, can also be the culprit behind many damages and health concerns. The best way to keep this from happening is by doing do-diligence.
Homeowners should be aware of their system, and how it normally behaves. Watch for signs of excess moisture, unusual noise, and a change in the normal heating or cooling operation. That being said, the most important thing a homeowner can do is have their system serviced.
Regular annual maintenance can eliminate most of these issues. Tuning up the system once a year, or twice a year if the system is used for AC and Heating, will keep the parts in good working order.
Finally, a homeowner should keep the age of their HVAC in mind. Older units are more inclined to have issues such as leaks. If the system is reached the end of its lifespan, replacing it can save a lot of money on repair and damage costs.
Air Now
Residents in the Sarasota, FL area should have an HVAC tech to reply on during the hot summer months. Air Now is a reliable heating and air conditioning service that is committed to delivering safety, comfort, and peace of mind. They provide quality service promptly, with a guaranteed same day service for all emergency calls.
