Does Your Rooftop AC Have A Leak?

If the offices in your building feel unbearably hot or stifling, check your rooftop AC for drainage problems. A clogged drainage line can cause serious issues for your AC unit and roof. Learn how drainage lines affect cooling units and how to solve your rooftop unit's problem.

Why Is Your Rooftop Unit Leaking?

Rooftop air conditioning units sit out in the open all year long. Constant exposure to the elements, pests, and even human actions can trigger a number of problems with rooftop units, including leaks. Most units leak when their interior drainage lines become clogged over time. The drainage line collects condensation as it drips from your unit's evaporator coil. If the drainage line connected to your rooftop unit builds up with algae and other substances, it won't empty the water out of the system properly. Water will collect inside the line's drainage pan and gradually overflow. A clogged drainage line can also cause the evaporator coil inside your unit to freeze or ice over. The frozen coil won't remove heat from your building as it's designed to do. If the issue becomes worse, your building will become too warm or stifling to work in during the day. The best way to clear out your unit's drainage line and keep the evaporator coil from freezing is to hire a commercial AC repair contractor.

How Do You Clear Your Rooftop Unit's Drain?

A contractor will use a number of methods to unclog your unit's drainage line and pan, including flushing out the system. An HVAC contractor may carefully flush out the line for you. If the line remains clogged, a contractor will manually remove the algae and debris from your drainage line. If the unit's drainage line is free of debris, a contractor may check the unit's evaporator coil for issues. The unit will leak water onto your roof if the coil is damaged, old, or both. The coil will continue to freeze up and melt the ice all over your roof. Water can pond on the surface of your building's roof and cause damage to it.

If your unit still leaks water after the repairs above, a commercial AC repair contractor may recommend you replace it with a new rooftop unit. Your unit may be past its prime or expiration date. Installing a new unit on your roof not only protects your building from water damage, but it also keeps your offices cool during the day.

Find the services you need for your rooftop unit by contacting a commercial HVAC company, such as Environmental Air Systems Inc.