Our Most Asked Air Conditioning Questions – Part 1
We get asked questions about air conditioning all the time by customers that call in, customers we see at events and even people our techs run into just in passing! So, we decided we would put together a blog series about some of these frequently asked questions!
Why is water leaking in my floor when the air conditioner is on?
Water is removed from the air during the cooling cycle. If the tube carrying that water (condensate line) away from the unit becomes clogged, the water will overflow into the drain pain and run down through the air handler. This leaking water is extremely harmful to the electrical components of your system and must be corrected immediately.
Why does my air conditioner produce water in the summer?
It is a function of the cooling or heat pump system to remove moisture from the air in the summer time. This is necessary in order for the air to feel comfortable. The moisture that is removed from the air is then carried away from the indoor unit or coil and is normally discharged outside onto the ground or into a floor drain inside the home.
Is it OK for refrigerant (FREON) to come out of my heat pump?
It is never acceptable for refrigerant to leak from your air conditioning unit. Refrigerant cycles in a closed loop system and is never supposed to evaporate, dissipate or get used up. Adding refrigerant to your unit indicates that you have a leak which can damage your system if not resolved in a timely manner. Also, most refrigerant has chemical properties that are harmful to the environment if released into the atmosphere.
What can I do to protect my unit and how can I keep it clean?
Trim plants and bushes around the unit to provide at least twelve (12) inches of clearance for air flow. Keep pets away from the outdoor unit, as the acid in pet urine is a corrosive that will deteriorate the metal. Have the unit services annually to maintain cleanliness and ensure proper air flow.