Common Water Damage Signs: My Air Conditioner’s Leaking!

The weather in California has been crazy – we have had record temperatures set, 117 degrees in September! That’s unheard of and can be dangerous if you have even the slightest heat exposure. Thankfully, most households have some sort of cooling unit. Air conditioners are not considered a luxury these days, but a necessity. They are recommended for use on hot days because overheating can lead to a heat stroke for people and pets.

But have you noticed (when you used your air conditioning unit) that the walls are wet, or there’s a puddle of water on the floor. What do you do? Should you keep using the unit and just clean up the water as it appears?

How Do Air Conditioner Units Leak?

AC units work by taking warm air through coils, and the refrigerant works by cooling the coils, then the cool air is put back into the home. This temperature exchange leads to condensation, which can build up. A clogged drain line can occur due to the buildup of dirt, dust, or mold, and prevent the line from draining outside the home. If there’s a blockage to the AC unit from outside the home, this could cause a buildup in the unit, which causes it to leak inside your home. Evaporator coils could be malfunctioning as well. There are several reasons your unit could be leaking; contacting an air conditioner repair company would be the first step toward this issue.

Common Signs of Water Damage

Air conditioner leaks are not always preventable; regularly keeping an eye out for signs of water damage is the only way to know there’s an issue. Water damage signs on wood flooring include peeling and warping. Water damage on the carpet can breed a lot of bacteria, as well as put a lot of moisture into the air. Any water damage can travel to the rest of your home if not managed right away, and can leak all the way through your flooring. Peeling paint on walls, water dripping from the ceiling if your unit is placed in the attic, or discoloration on walls are all very common signs of water damage and must be investigated immediately.

Water Damage Leads to Mold Damage

Window units are very helpful for cooling down a room, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice the safety and security of your windows and the overall environment. Mold can grow very easily if there isn’t a proper seal on the windows. Often, we find mold underneath the carpet, even if the area isn’t currently wet! Yes, areas can dry eventually over time, but you’re left with more damage than when the water damage started.

You can make sure water damage to your Santa Rosa home can be adequately mitigated. Immediately turn off and unplug your air conditioner, if applicable. Mop up any excess water you can with towels and a shop vacuum. West Coast Fire & Water can help with the drying process, and prevent further water damage and mold.

We can also help with filing an insurance claim for water damage! However, remember that most insurance companies don’t cover damage due to negligence. If you knew your air conditioner was leaking for a very long time, or there are signs of prolonged damage, faulty installation, or using an old or expired unit, the claim most likely will not be covered. Always ensure your home is insured against water damage; this is the most common type of damage to homes and businesses, and no matter how much home maintenance you perform, it is not always preventable.

Trust West Coast Fire & Water for expert assistance; we are here to help, no matter the weather! Call us now at 707-234-4450.