To operate safely and at peak efficiency, your Central Florida home’s HVAC system should be free from leaks.
Many aging HVAC systems develop leaks over time, as do improperly installed systems or those damaged during manufacturing, transportation, or installation. Unfortunately, since many of these leaks are small, they can be difficult to detect or go undiscovered for long periods.
If you suspect a leak in your HVAC system, the sooner you find the source and fix the problem, the better. That’s because, no matter where you live, it only takes a small amount of water to damage wood, insulation, concrete, and more. Central Florida Restoration Solutions offers water damage remediation and restoration services to return your home to normal as quickly as possible. We also have professional connections with experts who can fix your HVAC leak problem in no time at all!
What Causes HVAC Leaks?
HVAC leaks have many different causes. The most common reasons are a clogged air handler drain and excess condensation, but others include:
- Faulty seals, hoses of valve fittings
- General wear and tear
- Ongoing pressure
Refrigerant leaks are common in AC and heat pump systems, and many are challenging to detect.
- Class 1 or standing leaks are the most common and are detected while the HVAC unit is off.
- Class 2 or pressure-dependent leaks can only be detected as pressure builds in the system.
- Class 3 or temperature-dependent leaks usually occur from condenser blockage or elevated ambient air.
- Class 4 or vibration-dependent leaks occur only during unit operation; they’re typically caused by mechanical strains on valves and refrigerant lines.
- Class 5 or combination-dependent leaks occur when two or more conditions cause the leakage. For instance, vibration, temperature, and pressure can join together to cause a leak.
- Class 6 or cumulative micro-leaks are small individual leaks that can’t be detected with standard tools.
Most residential HVAC leaks occur in the condensing or evaporator coil, accumulator, or suction line dryer. In many cases, the damaged component must be replaced to stop the leak.
Other Types of HVAC Leaks
Air conditioners produce anywhere from 5 to 20 gallons of water daily. The water drains to the outside of your home through the condensate line, which sometimes clogs or breaks. If you notice pooling water around your indoor AC unit, it’s usually due to a dust, debris, or mold clog. Water then backs up into your home.
Fortunately, newer HVAC systems shut down automatically to help prevent water damage. However, older units keep running, creating the potential for catastrophic structural damage.
The ducts in your HVAC system can also leak, making your AC work much harder and increasing utility bills. Duct leakage can result in mold problems and potential safety and health issues. Most ductwork is located in attics, garages, and crawlspaces. If your air handler is located in the garage and isn’t adequately sealed, supply or return leaks can also introduce hazardous vapors into the rest of your home.
Leaks in ductwork can be found around:
- The air handler unit
- Joints at ductwork connections
- Near vents
Water Damage Caused by HVAC Leaks
In Central Florida, air conditioning is a must for a good part of the year. But did you know that even the smallest leak in your AC unit can cause considerable water damage? It’s true. It doesn’t take a major home flooding incident to degrade, rot, or cause mold to form on drywall, wood features, insulation, or subflooring.
Fortunately, if you know what to look for, you can mitigate the amount of damage a leak causes. Does your home feel humid or have a musty smell? Is the HVAC drain pan clogged or rusted? Are the evaporator coils dirty? These are just a few of the signs you might have leak-related water damage.
Protecting your home from water damage becomes far easier once you’re aware of what causes most HVAC system leaks. If you suspect your HVAC system has a leak that’s resulted in moisture and water problems in your home, contact a professional to help you discover if the leaks are damaging your home’s infrastructure.
As the region’s most trusted water damage remediation and restoration company, CFRS can help restore your Central Florida home as quickly and professionally as possible. Our skilled technicians are trained to locate leaks, assess the damage, and devise a plan to remediate it. We also offer mold damage solutions you can trust to keep your home safe and mold-free.
For more than 20 years, CFRS has helped Central Florida homeowners limit the damage that results from HVAC system leaks, and we can help you do the same! Contact us online or call or text us at 407-988-6101 for immediate remediation and restoration services.
