Dealing with A/C Condensate Drain Issues
A natural side effect of operating your A/C system is the formation of condensation on the cold evaporator coil. Under normal conditions, the water condensation drips into a pan and is carried away at the condensate drain. Under less than ideal conditions, however, A/C drainage parts can wear out or clog, causing water leaks inside your home. To keep your A/C system running smoothly through summer’s end, read on to learn how to deal with drainage problems.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
To cool your home, the blower pulls warm return airflow across the evaporator. As a result, dirt and debris accumulate on the coil. The debris drips into the condensate pan, which can eventually clog up the drain. Additionally, the evaporator and pan provide ideal conditions for mold development, bacteria, and algae, which adds to condensate drain problems.
Drain Trap Issues
The condensate drain trap on your A/C system performs similar functions like the drain trap beneath your kitchen sink. The trap acts to block sewer odors and gases from seeping into your home. Though, the drain trap is the most common point for debris to accumulate and block condensate from draining away.
Water Damage
Most A/C systems have an overflow pan beneath the primary condensate pan. A float switch in the overflow pan is designed to shut down your A/C if water runs over or through a cracked primary pan. If the float switch is malfunctioning or if there is no backup pan, the overflowing or seeping condensate can cause water damage to your home.
What to Do
Condensate drain problems should typically be handled by your HVAC technician. However, if the air handler is accessible (i.e. your A/C system isn’t located on your rooftop), you can try to clear the drain clog. If the condensate drain pan has failed, call your HVAC technician.
At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues — especially HVAC and plumbing issues — so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.
