Thousands upon thousands of homeowners rely upon window or through the wall air conditioning units to cool their home during the hottest Chicago summers. Many use these systems because of the high costs of central air conditioner or because their home was simply not built with duct work already in place. Unless these units are impeccably maintained, many people find themselves struggling with frequent cooling issues. Leaks and excessive condensation are common problems that these homeowners face, and here are some of the reasons why these units tend to leak:
- Improper Installation: If the air conditioner was tilted into the home instead of tiled back out of the home, leaking water may be a problem. Condensation is created during the removal of humidity from the air your air conditioner is cooling, and it needs to be safely directed out of the unit. When the unit is tilted forward instead of back, water will pour into the home and could cause damage if the problem is not quickly addressed.
- Condensation inside the Home: If you have air leaks around your window or through the wall air conditioner, you may notice condensation formation on the inside of the home. As the warm air leaks in it mixes with the cold air being produced by the air conditioner and the moisture in the hot air condenses to make the condensation that you see. Seal these leaks with insulation materials and you will eliminate this condensation and increase the efficiency of your air conditioner.
- Ice Buildup: Any ice build up on the air conditioner could be caused by any number of malfunctions within the system. The majority of these problems are not “do it yourself” repairs and will require professional help. If you see ice, call a pro!
- Water Not Draining Properly: If water begins to pool within your air conditioner or if it is pouring out the front or back of the system in large quantities, you probably have a clog within a drain line and it will need to be cleared by a pro. Many homeowners try to clear theses drains on their own and end up damage the coils or another valuable component of the system. This is another repair you should trust to the professionals.
Don’t Ignore Your Leak!
Address air conditioner problems early on to prevent major problems down the line. Water is corrosive and if it doesn’t damage the air conditioner odds are it will damage your floors or window frames instead. Act fast to ensure their protection and to restore comfort to your home this summer.
