While A/C condensate drain problems may begin unnoticed, before long they can’t be ignored. A central air conditioner pulls over 25 gallons of water out of the air on a humid summer day and conveys it into the condensate drain line. The air handler that includes the condensate drain system is typically located in a seldom seen area, like the attic. By the time most homeowners notice signs of A/C condensate drain problems, extensive water damage has already occurred. Remember to schedule annual preventive maintenance with your HVAC service contractor and stay aware of these three common A/C condensate drain problems.
Pan Overflow
The drip pan beneath the air handler collects and diverts condensate into a drain line plumbed to your household drain system. Pan overflows may continue for some time if the pan or drain lines become clogged by debris, allowing a large volume of water to silently inundate the structure of your home. Inspection of the pan and drain system, as well as cleaning when necessary, should be performed annually.
Mold Growth
Mold growing in the dark, wet environment of a condensate drip pan releases toxic spores into the airflow dispersed throughout your home's ductwork. A 50/50 bleach and water solution poured into the pan twice during the cooling season is a DIY preventive measure. For more definitive control, a qualified HVAC technician will clean and sterilize the pan to kill mold, as well as install biocide tablets to prevent recurrence over the long term.
System Shutdown
Many A/C air handlers are equipped with a safety sensor that detects an overfilling drain pan. If the condensate drain system clogs and the pan reaches overflow stage, the sensor automatically shuts off electrical power to the air conditioner to prevent water damage. When the cooling stops, you’ll know something’s wrong somewhere, but not exactly what. An HVAC service technician will clear the clogged line, verify drain function, and then reset the switch to restore power to the system.
Providing trusted HVAC sales and service to the Wabash Valley since 1922, ask Paitson Bros. about regular maintenance to prevent A/C condensate drain problems.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about condensate drains and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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