Is Your AC Leaking? Here's What to Do!
July 3, 2020
Having an AC Leak in Your Home Can Cause Significant Damage
When water is leaking in your home, it's definitely not a good thing and something you want to address ASAP. Aside from the initial health hazards of mold and mildew growth, it can also cause a lot of damage to the drywall, wood, and insulation in your home. If the water is leaking from your HVAC unit, the ususal culprit is the condensate drain, and the runner-ups are dict obstructions, a clogged air filter and/or low refrigerant levels.
Below we go into a little detail about each one that may help you determine where your problem begins.
Condensate Drain Pan
The drain pan does a number of things to help your home, number one being that it protectsyour home against water damage. How, you ask? It collects water resulting from the air conditioning process and keeps the unit from having biological growth and subsequent failure.
You should check the pan regularly for cracks, clogs or other damage. If the pan itself is not damaged, there's a good chance that it could be the drain line.
Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line is an exit route for excess water to drain from your unit. These lines can get clogged with algae, gunk, rust, etc., and when this happens the water backs up and you have a leak. Sometimes you can dislodge the leak yourself with a shop vac or compressed air. A thin, flexible wire can work as well, however you need to be very careful so as not to puncture the drain line. The best way to avoid this is to get your HVAC unit serviced regulary.
Clogged Air Filter/ Duct Obstructions
Usually a clogged air filter is the result of a dirty air filter, and can be easily changed. If it's a clogged duct, check them by lifting out the register and inspecting for debris that may have fallen into the duct. Also, make sure nothing is blocking them as this will obviously hamper air flow.
Low Refrigerant Level
Very common as well, low refrigerant levels cause pressure to drop and the unit will not work properly. This plunges your system into a cycle of freezing and thawing, which will cause water to leak.
If you suspect an leaking air conditioner that is not easily remedied, please give A-1 American Services a call, and one of our technicians will be able to determine the problem, and have you back to cool comfort in no time. We have been servicing the Hampton Roads area for over 20 years! For services in Virginia Beach, Newport News, Williamsburg, and surrounding areas, call A-1 American at 757-425-2400
First, a little background on Labor Day and how it came to play into American history. Labor Day is celebrated to honor the contributions and achievements of American workers and the labor movement. It recognizes the role of workers in building the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. The Holiday began in the late 19th century, during a time when working conditions were often harsh—long hours, unsafe workplaces, and little time off were common. Labor unions pushed for better conditions, fair wages, and reasonable workdays. The first Labor Day parade took place in New York City in 1882, organized by the Central Labor Union. In 1894, after years of growing support and following major labor strikes, Congress officially made Labor Day a federal holiday. It’s observed on the first Monday in September, serving both as a tribute to workers and as a symbolic “end of summer” celebration. Not to be confused with International Workers’ Day which is celebrated May 1st worldwide and focuses more on activism and workers’ rights, Labor Day focuses more as a tribute to workers with family time, picnics, parades, and community events like our concer series at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Hampton Roads -- which encompasses the Penninsula (Williamsburg, Newport News, and Hampton) AND South Side (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Suffolk) has always been a working community, from the shipbuilders at Newport News Shipbuilding, to the longshoremen at the Port of Virginia, to the military and civil service workers who keep our bases running. Labor Day really ties into that history because it’s a reminder of how much the region’s workforce has shaped the local economy and even national security. For many families here, Labor Day is also (for the lucky) the last long weekend before school starts, so you’ll see people heading to the beach at Virginia Beach, picnicking at local parks, or attending community events. It’s both a recognition of hard work and a chance for people in Hampton Roads to pause, recharge, and enjoy the fruits of their labor before the busy fall season kicks in. From the A-1 American Services family to yours... Please have a safe and happy Labor Day!! And if you find you need help with any clogs, water heater leaks, HVAC hiccups, clooged toilets our guys are standing by ready to help you and your family at a moments notice!
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Our team of experienced technicians can handle just about anything your home heating and cooling system might need. When you contact us, you can expect responsive, professional service and transparent pricing every time!
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