What to do when your home has water damage that isn’t due to the normal suspects? Household water damage often involves burst pipes or leaking roofs as the main culprits. However, another significant source is often overlooked: HVAC systems. While your HVAC systems are designed to keep us comfortable year-round, they can sometimes cause chaos in the form of unexpected leaks and water damage in your house! This is especially true in the summer months when your air conditioning system is in overdrive trying to keep your home nice and cool. Luckily, at Adroit Restoration, we don’t ignore the unusual suspects! Our team of experts will dive right in and help clean up the water damage while ensuring the cost of being “cool” doesn’t continue to cause you to need rain boots as you walk around your house!
HVAC & Condensation Concerns
It is hot outside, and you rely on your air conditioning system to cool the air in your home. To do this, your HVAC system must remove heat and humidity from the air, leading to condensation. That condensation can then accumulate and cause water damage in a couple of ways:
Clogged Drain Lines
HVAC systems have drain lines that carry away condensation, but over time, these drain lines can become clogged with all kinds of things, such as dirt, dust, or a number of other things (we have seen it all)! The condensation can’t flow when this happens, causing it to back up and potentially overflow.
Faulty Condensate Pumps
In some HVAC setups, condensation is collected in a reservoir and pumped out through a condensation pump. If this pump malfunctions or gets strained, it can fail to remove collected water, leading to leaks. So, while your HVAC system may keep your home nice and cool, it can quickly turn into a watery mess from HVAC condensation issues!
Damaged Drain Pans
HVAC systems with drain pans that collect condensation and send it to drain lines can also cause a kink in your system. This leaves you looking for rain boots. Water can seep into your home if these drain pans are improperly installed or damaged. This issue is commonly seen when the system is installed poorly or when the pans have become cracked or rusty.
HVAC & Ductwork Issues
Another way HVAC systems can contribute to water damage is through duct work problems. While not directly related to leaks, these issues can lead to moisture buildup and subsequent damage if left unaddressed:
Insufficient Insulation
Any ductwork that is poorly insulated or lacks insulation altogether can experience temperature fluctuations. When warm, humid air comes into contact with cooler duct surfaces, condensation can form. This moisture can eventually lead to mold growth or structural damage. Ensuring proper insulation in your ductwork prevents these problems.
Damaged or Disconnected Ducts
Leaks or gaps in the ductwork can allow moisture to escape into your home’s walls, ceilings, or crawl spaces. This can cause water damage. Remember that water damage can be a serious issue that requires professional cleanup. Regularly inspecting and sealing damaged or disconnected ducts is crucial to avoiding these issues. If you run into issues, contact Adroit to ensure the water damage is completely fixed, ensuring a safe and healthy living or working environment.
Watch for warning signs of HVAC-related water damage, such as water stains, musty odors, or increased humidity in your home. If you notice any of these signs, your HVAC system may need to be repaired, and you will need water damage cleaned properly. Even a little water damage can cause big health concerns in the home!
While HVAC systems play a vital role in maintaining comfort in our homes, they can sometimes be the source of unexpected water damage. Understanding the potential causes of HVAC-related leaks and taking proactive measures to prevent them will protect your home from water damage, maintain indoor air quality, and ensure HVAC system efficiency.
What to Do When an AC Leak Wreaks Havoc in Your Home
Adroit Restoration steps in to save the day! Our skilled technicians specialize in addressing water damage caused by AC leaks, ensuring a swift and thorough restoration process. We are available 24/7 and happy to come to your home or business to help dry everything out and restore the damaged areas to its original glory!
