Midrise: HVAC Issues‏

The Midrise Advisory Group would like to advise all midrise unit owners of an ongoing problem with the HVAC units within our homes.

Over the last several years, at least six air handlers have experienced leakage while operating in the air conditioning mode.  The problem stems from the condensation drain line being installed improperly, which causes the condensation tray to backup and overflow.  In several instances this has resulted in thousands of dollars in damage, not only to the owner's unit but also the unit/s directly below, causing mold and ruining wood floors, and drywall.

The Committee has been pursuing a method to resolve this issue; and has located a HVAC contractor we feel can correct this problem. His name is Ian Malone of Temp Tech, a licensed and insured HVAC specialist.

His response to our problem is as follows:
• The overflow safety switch is mounted too high and will not shut the unit off in the event of an overflow/backup. This failure will allow the unit to continually run thus producing excess condensate water to overflow causing damage as explained above.
•Not all overflows were caused by clogged drains. Some situations that can cause the same scenario to occur are freeze ups from dirty coils and/or filters.

Solution to the problem:
• Remount the overflow safety switch so that it will immediately shut down your unit should it detect a backup of condensation in the pan.
• Temp Tech will perform these services for anyone that would like to have this problem corrected, as well as general service of their HVAC system, which will include the following: cleaning of the drain pan, coil and correcting the overflow switch, as well as an inspection of the complete system temps and pressures at a cost of $150 - $200 depending upon the original drain configuration.
Annual Maintenance
• Any unit owner interested in an annual maintenance plan for the future can do so at an estimated cost of $50, depending on the number of owners who sign up for the annual service.
•Anyone interest in having this service performed, please contact Mr. Malone directly at 508-509-2493

Midrise Advisory Committee