You are probably familiar with the sounds an AC makes during normal operation: the whir of the blower, the hum of the compressor, and the occasional sound of dripping water. The source of that last sound is the condensation that develops along the evaporator coil. As warm air flows across the coil, the coil absorbs heat and also collects moisture. This moisture then drips down into a condensate pan, where a drain and pump remove it down a line toward the wastewater system of your plumbing. When your air conditioning system is working well, you shouldn’t need to worry about the water along the evaporator coil. But when you encounter excess condensation and drainage issues, it can lead to serious problems. If you detect water around your AC, notice mold or mildew growing in its vicinity, or experience increases in humidity, call for air conditioning repair right away. Technicians will find out what is wrong with your AC and repair it. Call the experienced staff at Comfort Flow Heating, any time of the day or night, when you need air conditioning repair in Florence, OR.

A number of issues can cause the water in the condensate pan to begin to build up: the line can become dislodged, bacterial growth might block up the drain. When this occurs, the condensate pan, which is shallow, will start to overflow and spill out into your home. The first trouble this will cause is water damage. Because you often won’t notice this at first, since the air conditioning cabinet isn’t in a place you frequent, the water damage can become extensive and may lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. The high humidity also encourages the growth of mold and mildew. These bacterial contaminants will contribute to building damage (mildew warps wood and eats right through drywall) but also release toxic spores into the air, lowering indoor air quality. Rats and insects will also be drawn to water pools, adding another unpleasant nuisance. Standing water will start to increase your home’s humidity, causing additional discomfort that will begin to make the AC’s work more difficult.

We don’t advise that you try to repair condensate problems on your own: a mistaken fix can end up causing additional leaking. Instead, contact professionals like those at Comfort Flow Heating. how long do ac units last in houstonOur team that handles air conditioning repair in Florence, OR will find the source of the problem and fix it so it stays fixed.how to pump down an ac unit Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Florencecharging an air conditioner at home Friday, May 30th, 2014 at 4:08 pm | During the summer months, Sacramento HVAC systems are put to the test. Air conditioning is used 24/7—cooling hot exterior air into a livable interior temperature giving us a nice respite. But AC systems are working overtime to make our lives comfortable.

Condensation on the outside of AC ductwork is not uncommon. There are a variety of reasons that condensation occurs but 'sweating' is not always a cause for concern. Often some basic precautions can be taken to resolve the problem. Some are DIY solutions, others can quite easily be done by a professional Sacramento AC company. Below are a few of the most common causes for condensation on ductwork and how they can be remedied. One of the main causes for condensation on air conditioning ductwork is when the outside of ductwork is cooled down and makes contact with warmer, more humid outside air. This is common especially in attics and crawl spaces, which can very easily reach high temperatures during the summer. Proper attic ventilation is key. This warmer air is quickly cooled down below its dew point when it makes contact with the outside of the duct, which instantly turns it into the beads of moisture that are so common on the outside of ductwork. The solution to this problem is often as simple as improving the ventilation in the crawl space around the ductwork.

Sometimes, when new systems are installed, pipes venting to an attic may not be properly sealed.  A small opening that allows warmer to come in contact with cool ducts causes the condensation to form. Fixing the problem might be as simple as sealing areas where exterior air is coming into the area where the main AC system is housed. Great Stuff is a handyman's dream when sealing these areas. A lack of proper insulation around AC ductwork is another main cause for condensation. The best way to fix this issue is to add a vapor barrier to the outside of ductwork, followed by a layer of insulation that will increase the overall outside temperature of a duct to something that is closer to the outside air temperature. Because the range in the temperature of the outside of the duct and the surrounding air is smaller, condensation is less likely. Most AC ducts are initially installed with a layer of insulation, but this insulation often needs to be repaired or replaced from time to time.

These are just a couple of the main things that can create condensation on AC ductwork. As long as ductwork has a proper level of ventilation around it and a layer of insulation, any duct can remain condensation free and result in better air conditioning, reduced utility costs and a healthier home. If you notice condensation and not sure of the cause, we're happy to help. Contact our experienced HVAC Sacramento team to help you with any of your air conditioning needs.Nearly 90 percent of all central-air service calls are related to leaks. Although these leaks tend to be relatively small, if left unchecked they can cause a tremendous amount of damage, especially if the air handler is installed above a ceiling and can drip downward. But most homeowners don't realize that a vast majority of leaks can be easily repaired without calling a service technician.There are main reasons a central A/C system leaks. First, there's a crack or hole in overflow drain pan. Second, the air filter is clogged with dirt.

Third, the condensate line is plugged up.The first cause—the overflow pan—is easily detectable by simply using a flashlight. The pan is a piece of equipment that catches any condensation from the A/C unit; if you're noticing a leak, carefully inspect the overflow pan for damage. Check each corner, along the outside edges, and, of course, directly above the wettest spot. Small holes and cracks can be patched with epoxy glue, but it's usually best to replace a damaged overflow pan.The second culprit—a clogged filter— can be avoided by changing the A/C unit's air filter on a regular basis. Most filters are designed to be used for one or two months, but you should inspect the filter every month during the cooling season. If the filter appears dirty, replace it immediately. A dirty filter will cause ice to form on the unit's evaporator coils, and when that ice melts, it drips water.The third reason—a stopped-up condensate line—is the most common cause of A/C leaks. The condensate line drains condensation from the overflow pan to the outside or directly into a drainpipe.

When the line is clogged, water backs up and floods the overflow pan. Another reason to keep the condensate line clear is that most modern A/C units are equipped with a water-overflow cutoff switch, which automatically shuts down the A/C system if it detects a clogged condensate line. The switch helps prevent water damage, which is good, but most homeowners don't know why their air-conditioning system suddenly shuts down and they call a service technician.There are a couple different ways to clear a clogged condensate line, including using a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog. But my favorite method is to use a product called Mighty Pump. It's a powerful hand pump that can be used to suck or blow lines clear. Invented by Stuart Oakner, a licensed air-conditioning contractor with more than 30 years experience, the Mighty Pump is available online for about $60.Still, don't wait for the condensate line to become clogged. You can avoid costly damage and expensive service calls by regularly clearing it out.