If you’re like most homeowners, you know just enough about your air conditioner to ensure it runs properly. You can turn it on and off; you can operate the thermostat; you may have a general idea of how it operates so that when something goes wrong, you know it’s time to call the HVAC tech. You may even know how and when to change the air filter.
But the fact is, sometimes the air conditioner can be a hazard — a danger to your health, and the cause of certain types of damage to your home. Read on and learn about AC dangers.
Harmful to Your Health?
Electrical Hazards
Your A/C is powered by electricity. That means it contains electronic sensors and systems, as well as electric wiring, that can fray and loosen, wearing out over time. In most instances, you should have a trained HVAC tech replace wiring and other electronic components for your thermostat and air conditioner so you don’t risk being shocked.
Refrigerant
The air conditioner cools by pumping refrigerant in and out of the house. It absorbs warm air in the home in the refrigerant, and exhausts it outdoors. When the A/C develops a refrigerant leak, it can’t cool properly. The leak should be fixed, and the refrigerant recharged. But refrigerant is a hazardous substance, which is illegal to handle unless you have a license. Contact with refrigerant can cause injury to skin or eyes by frostbite; inhalation of fumes is also dangerous.
Harmful to the Home
Condensate Drain
The condensate drain is the system in the A/C that drains away excess condensation removed from the home’s air by the air conditioner. When the drain becomes clogged with dirt or other sludgy debris, the drain pan can fill up and overflow, causing damage to floors, baseboards and drywall.
Landscaping Practices
Certain landscaping practices such as weed whacking and cutting grass so it is hurled into the condenser fins can damage the unit, necessitating expensive repairs.
For more on AC dangers, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning. We serve Lorain with HVAC repairs, maintenance and installations.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area