5 most common causes of water damage from ACs

An air conditioner is an absolute boon on a hot summer day, and life is unimaginable without one in a tropical climate such as ours. For the most part, it is also a fit-it-and-forget it for appliance, barring the occasional maintenance activity of course.

You’ve probably heard of multitudes of ways in which your AC can get damaged. However, did you know that the reverse is also a very real possibility, if left unchecked? Yes, that’s right. Damage is not limited just to your AC. Your homes are also at risk of damage from your AC. More specifically, water damage.

ALSO READ: Servicing and more: 5 air conditioner FAQs answered for you

Water leaks from your air conditioners can cause severe damage to both, your homes as well as the air conditioners themselves, if not properly maintained. Due to the very placement of ACs, water damage is often not detected. Therefore, a proper maintenance regime can help protect your home from AC water leaks and in the process, significant holes in your pocket.

ALSO READ: 5 reasons to have an AMC for your AC

The following are the most common causes of water damage from your ACs-

Condensate drain clog: A clogged condensate drain line is often the most common culprit for water leaks from your AC. When it gets clogged, the condensate goes back into the drain pan, following which, it spills out and causes damage to roofing structures and the walls as well. Eventually, the damage also leads to growth of mold which then requires extensive repairs.

Dirty air filters: A dirty air filter may block airflow to the AC’s evaporator coil. A lack of airflow around the evaporator causes it to freeze. The subsequent defrosting of the coil causes it to drip into the AC’s drain pan. However, drain pans are not generally designed to handle such levels of water, and therefore, a leak due to the same becomes likely. Regular cleaning of your AC’s air filters therefore, is a must. The same can be done by oneself at home and doesn’t require much time or effort either.

Damaged drain pans: Older air conditioners must be checked for rusted or damaged drain pans. Rust will eventually cause a hole to form in the pan, following which water leaks out. This can lead to damage to your AC’s internal components as well as your walls. It is therefore essential to schedule regular maintenance for your ACs, especially if they are old, as a trained technician can effectively judge whether or not your drain pans need to be changed.

Broken condensate pump: ACs contain a condensate pump to help push water outside. The condensate pump is also prone to failure. In such a case, it causes all water to leak out from the front of the AC, causing extensive damage to your homes in the process. In cases of condensate pump failure, one needs a trained technician to help rectify the same.

Low refrigerant levels: Diminished refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze as in the case of dirty air filters, causing excessive water to drip into the AC’s drain pans and causing water damage in the process. Refrigerant refills are a fairly complicated and expensive process and therefore, always ensure you keep an eye out for the same via regular inspection and maintenance regime for your AC.

Most of the causes for water damage from your ACs can cause significant and extensive damage to your homes, thereby burning deep holes in your pockets. To help avoid and protect yourself against the same, consider investing a little extra and purchasing an extended warranty plan like ZipCare Protect. It helps you save significant amounts of money in the long run, preventing you from having to shell out large amounts of money owing to manufacturing defects as well as general wear and tear and helping rectify the same, free of cost.