HVAC is the term for the various systems used to heat and cool a building as well as move air through the building. HVAC can be a single system or individual systems for the different functions, whether they work together or not. For example, HVAC can entail both a furnace and a ductless air conditioning system or a single heat pump system, or any other combination of heating and cooling components. [Read more…] about New Home Owner Series: What is HVAC?
New Homeowner Series
New Home Owner Series: Why Is My AC Leaking Water?
As the weather gets warmer, you want your air conditioning ready and working whenever you need it. A little beginning of the season preventative care and maintenance goes a long way to keep your AC running well.
In this installment of our new homeowner series, we’re going to tackle a common question – a leaking air conditioner.
Why Is Water Leaking From My Air Conditioner?
If the “leak” is outside, the first thing to check is if the air conditioner or HVAC unit really is leaking. Condensation is a normal byproduct of using an air conditioner, but not everyone – especially new homeowners – realizes that. More than one new homeowner has used their AC, turned it off to leave the house, and then, when they found a wet spot on the sidewalk or path below their air conditioner, assumed it was a problem.
Common Reasons Why Your AC is Leaking:
- Disconnected Drain Line
If you installed your air conditioner yourself or if your AC or HVAC was incorrectly installed, the drain line might not be connected. Another issue could be that it was connected but not tightly so vibrations from using the air conditioner jiggled it loose. - Cracked Condenser Drain Pan
The drip pan goes under the evaporator coils, collecting the moisture from the coils. A cracked pan can be the source of a leak because the water isn’t diverting properly. - Clogged Drain Line
A clogged line is probably the most common reason for air conditioner leaks, Dirt, debris, rust, algae, etc. can all cause clogs. - Clogged Air Filter
Frozen coils can be a byproduct of a clogged air filter. When they thaw, it creates a leak. - Condenser Pump Problems
If the condenser pump becomes dirty or fails, that can cause water leaks. - Low Refrigerant
Insufficient refrigerant can lead to frost build-up on the condenser coils which then causes a leak. - Outside Is Too Cold
Running your air conditioner when it’s too cool outside can cause ice to build-up on the coils and leak later.
Should I Turn Off My Leaking AC?
Yes, if your air conditioner is leaking, turn it off before investigating the cause of the problem. If you keep letting it run, the compressor can fail, which is an expensive repair or replacement. Also, depending upon where the leak is exactly, water could run into an electrical socket, causing an electrical short or fire.
Is an AC Leaking Water Dangerous?
A leaking air conditioner can be dangerous, yes. If the leak is ignored or goes unnoticed, the water can cause structural damage. Leaking water can cause even more dangerous problems if it runs toward electrical outlets or devices.
If the leak involves refrigerant, it can be quite different. While far less likely, a refrigerant leak can become quite dangerous very quickly if it evaporates and turns into a gas.
Tragar Keeps You Cool
Let Tragar help you stay cool this summer by keeping your cooling system well maintained. An ounce of prevention saves headaches and higher repair costs later. Tragar’s HVAC experts will take care of it. Contact us today.
New Home Owner Series: Ways to Save on Utility Costs
Utility costs frequently surprise new homeowners. While smart home buyers research utility costs in their area so they can properly plan a budget, the actual costs are frequently higher. Even if the buyer asked the seller for examples of their utility costs during negotiations, lifestyle differences and temperature comfort preferences could increase costs by 25 percent or more. [Read more…] about New Home Owner Series: Ways to Save on Utility Costs
New Home Owner Series:
Biofuel vs. Regular Heating Oil
Oil delivery never used to have choices except for the company used. Heating oil was heating oil, and what you got from one company was basically the same as you got from another company. [Read more…] about New Home Owner Series:
Biofuel vs. Regular Heating Oil
New Home Owner Series: What To Do If Your Pipes Burst
As a new homeowner, your first winter involves learning the quirks of your furnace and heating system. While burst pipes are a possible known risk if you have a heating failure, several factors can lead to either a burst pipe or a frozen and then burst pipe. [Read more…] about New Home Owner Series: What To Do If Your Pipes Burst
New Home Owner Series: Winter Storm Preparedness
Winter isn’t just staying inside where it’s warm when you’re a homeowner. Extreme cold, nor’easters, snow squalls, sleet, snow and high winds can damage your new home or just make life miserable. Let’s tackle some of the most common questions we receive about winter storm prep from our customers, especially the new homeowners. [Read more…] about New Home Owner Series: Winter Storm Preparedness
New Home Owner Series: Common Winter Plumbing Issues
Winter plumbing problems are the worst and probably scare homeowners the most, not just new homeowners. Leaks can cause tremendous amounts of damage. Fortunately, a bit of knowledge and planning can prevent problems for both new and established homeowners. [Read more…] about New Home Owner Series: Common Winter Plumbing Issues
New Home Owner Series: Prepare Your Home for Winter
Winter is more than hot chocolate and cozy blankets. A little preparation now will keep your home safe and warm all winter long. Here are tips for new homeowners settling into their first winter season. [Read more…] about New Home Owner Series: Prepare Your Home for Winter
New Home Owner Series: What Is Bioheat®?
Home heating options used to be limited. The home you bought most likely used either oil or gas, unless you were unlucky enough to have an electricity-powered heating system, and that was it. You stayed with whatever you had. [Read more…] about New Home Owner Series: What Is Bioheat®?
How to Troubleshoot Your Home Heating System
As temperatures drop, the last thing Long Island homeowners want is for their home heating systems to go on the fritz. However, even the most efficient and properly maintained oil or gas home heating system that’s already received its annual heating system maintenance can falter during the heart of the heating season. [Read more…] about How to Troubleshoot Your Home Heating System