AC Leak

WHAT CAUSES AIR CONDITIONER COILS TO LEAK AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM

January 19, 20245 min read

Air conditioners are an essential amenity for homeowners, especially during the intense summers in places like Port Coquitlam, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, Port Moody, Richmond, and throughout British Columbia. Their effectiveness in maintaining a comfortable indoor climate is undeniable.

However, ownership of such a valuable asset comes with the responsibility of regular upkeep and potential repair issues. One common problem that plagues many AC units is a leakage in the air conditioner coils, also known as evaporator coils.

The Importance of the Evaporator Coil in Your System

To fully comprehend the impact of a leaking coil, understanding its role within the HVAC system is vital. The evaporator coil is located inside the indoor unit of your air conditioning system and is central to its operation. The primary function of these coils is to absorb heat from the indoor air, thus cooling it down before it is circulated back into your home.

When the evaporator coil leaks, it leads to a substantial drop in the air conditioner's overall performance. This malfunction is often evident through noticeably reduced cooling, requiring frequent refrigerant refills, a rise in air conditioning costs, and the need for repeated "AC repair near me" searches.

Consequently, understanding the causes behind these leakages and how to prevent them becomes crucial for homeowners.

Identifying The Root Cause: Why Do AC Coils Leak>

Several factors contribute to a leakage in the evaporator coil. Here, we explore two primary culprits - corrosion in the coil's copper tube and an abundance of volatile compounds in the atmosphere.

How to find the root cause of ac coil leaks in your air conditioning unit - Expert Tips - Ariana Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd

Corrosion In The Coil's Copper Tube

One of the most common reasons for leakage in the evaporator coil is the corrosion of the copper tube. This corrosion is a result of chemical interaction between the water, copper, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in our surroundings.

The interaction leads to the build-up of formic acid on the coil, promoting rust formation on the copper tube, which eventually causes a leakage in the coils.

Volatile Organic Compounds In The Atmosphere

Our daily lifestyle activities significantly contribute to the abundance of VOCs in our surroundings. Household cleaning supplies, personal products, various hardware materials, and even the paint on our walls are sources of VOCs that increase the indoor air's chemical concentration. As the indoor air interacts with the air conditioning system, these VOCs can contribute to the corrosion process.

Additionally, environmental factors such as the amount of salt present in the atmosphere can accelerate the corrosion of the evaporator coil. This corrosion issue can be more pronounced in coastal cities like Richmond, leading to an increased demand for services like "air conditioner repair near me."

Addressing The Leakage Issues: Prevention and Maintenance

Understanding the reasons behind evaporator coil leakage is only half the battle; proactive prevention measures are essential in averting this common HVAC problem. Here are a few strategies homeowners can implement to avoid costly repairs:

Regular Maintenance Is Key

Investing in regular AC upkeep prevents rust build-up and enhances the overall efficiency of your system. Partnering with a trusted local HVAC contractor can ensure a long and productive lifespan for your AC unit. Having a maintenance contract with HVAC companies near you, like Ariana Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd., can save you from unforeseen, costly repairs in the long run.

Limiting VOC Emission

Although it's impossible to completely eliminate VOCs from your household, limiting their emission is a feasible task. Opting for natural, non-toxic alternatives for cleaning products and other daily-use items can reduce indoor VOC concentrations.

While this doesn't guarantee a rust-free coil, it certainly minimizes the chances of corrosion, thus reducing the number of "AC repair service near me" searches.

Invest In An Air Purification System

If it's within your budget, consider installing an air purification system. These systems help lower the amount of VOCs and other air contaminants that come in contact with your air conditioner, thereby minimizing the risk of coil corrosion.

Choosing A Reliable Service Provider: Ariana Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd.

When it comes to HVAC repair in Port Coquitlam, Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, Port Moody, Richmond, and other regions in British Columbia, Ariana Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd. stands as a reliable and experienced partner. We provide a broad range of services, from air conditioning repair to AC installation, and even niche services like mini-split installation and window AC installation.

Whether you need AC service near you for regular upkeep, immediate repair, AC gas filling, or are looking for "AC installation near me" to upgrade your existing unit, our team of trained technicians is always ready to assist. We take pride in providing quality services that ensure comfortable summers in your home, be it split AC service near me, AC fitting near me, or understanding mini-split installation cost.

Moreover, we believe in fostering an open communication channel with our customers. We encourage you to discuss any underlying doubts regarding your HVAC system's functioning or any specific issues such as leakage in the coils. By understanding your concerns and requirements in detail, we can provide the most effective and efficient solutions.

Conclusion

While owning an air conditioner guarantees comfortable summers, it also requires careful attention to maintenance and repair. Understanding the common issue of coil leaks, its causes, and preventative measures is key to maintaining a healthy and efficient HVAC system.

Partnering with a reliable HVAC contractor like Ariana Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd. ensures that your HVAC needs are well taken care of, whether you need heating repair, AC installation cost estimation, or window air conditioner installation. For all your heating and air conditioning needs in British Columbia, contact us at (778) 861-7120. Our team is committed to ensuring top-class cooling in your house, making your summers truly comfortable.

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