It is rare to see commercial premises that are not equipped with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. All of the modern office and shopping centers use such systems. Moreover, they are using in a residential property as well. So probably there is no person who does not know what the HVAC system is.
But there are still many people who do not know that this system may become the cause of water damage to their commercial or residential property. It can happen if the HVAC system does not maintain regularly, especially its pipes, drains, evaporator coils, etc.
Such maintenance is important not only to save the property from water damage and costly recovery process but also it will help to prolong the HVAC system’s lifetime and make its work effectively.
How to Identify that HVAC Maintenance Required?
As already mentioned above, malfunctioning or leaks from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system may become the cause of significant water damage of property what leads to costly restoration. That is why it is so important to know what signs can help to identify such issues before it is too late:
- Water leaks are one of the clearest signs that your HVAC system is not doing so well and the problem should be fixed as soon as possible. Such leaks may become the cause of not only water damage of your property but also its mold contamination. And both of these issues are surely not so pleasant to face. Water leaks from the HVAC system may be caused by a clogged drain, damaged condensation line, or a frozen evaporator coil.
- Lingering smells in your home or office premises are also a sign of issues with the HVAC system. So in case, you felt the smell of steak with mashed potatoes that were your dinner a couple of evenings ago, it may be a sign that there is an issue with air movement in your house. In case you felt the musty and moldy odor it may be a sign of moisture in the system’s ductwork what can lead to mold growth. As well as the burning smell may let you know that the system is overheating.
The List of Helpful Tips to Save Your Property from Water Damage Caused by HVAC
Regularly Cleaning
It is important to perform cleaning the exterior of the unit and condenser from accumulated dirt at least annually because it guarantees a proper airflow for the effective work of the system. To make sure that airflow is flowing free, make sure that the condenser is not covered by something.
Regularly Changing Filters
There are several types of filters used in the HVAC systems by their lifetime. Some of the filters need to be changed every month for the smooth work of the system, some of them need to be changed only two times per year. So to not forget to change all of them on time regularly, it will be helpful to create a schedule a make there notes. Without regularly changed filters system will overwork what can become the cause of coils freezing.
Keeping Drain Lines Clean
Water from your HVAC system needs to flow to the drain freely. To make sure that this process works well, check the condensation line while your HVAC system is working, the line needs to be open. If it is closed, check the clean of drainage holes, which are located on the base of the cabinet. You can perform this check by poke holes by a wire.
Condensation Pump Installation
Such a pump will help excess water from your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system flow into a drain properly. To avoid the risk of excess water overflow, it will be wise to install a safety float also. If condensation will start to build-up, this float will automatically shut down your HVAC system.
Let Professionals Do Their Job
It is great when the house owner can perform maintenance of its own residential house by himself, but it can be too challenging with such complex systems as HVAC. That is why many homeowners hire professional companies for such works.
In case you faced such an issue as water damage happened to your property in Illinois, or just identified one of the signs that your HVAC system requires maintenance, call Signature Water and Fire Restoration and our specialists will be more than glad to help you. Here is our 24/7 phone number: 1-224-515-0100.