The condensate drain is an essential part of your HVAC system. Located in the interior cabinet that contains the air conditioner blower and evaporator coil, it is responsible for draining away the condensation that results when your air conditioner removes humidity from the home’s air. Read on to learn about issues that can affect your condensate drain and how to deal with them.
How the Condensate Drain Becomes Clogged
During our humid summers, your air conditioner has to work hard to not only cool the home, but also dehumidify the air. That process keeps the condensate drain constantly moist, so that conditions leading to unpleasant odors can occur. Also, a kind of sludge, consisting of moisture, dirt and other debris can form, and create a plug that clogs your drain.
When drains become clogged, condensation may overflow the drain pan, causing leaking or even flooding. Carpets, floorboards and furniture can become waterlogged and require replacement.
Signs of water pooling around your A/C cabinet often point to a clogged drain.
Other Problems
A clogged drain can also affect the U-trap. That’s the bent section of the drain which, just like the one under the bathroom or kitchen sink, should retain water to keep out sewer gases. If a drain plug forms, keeping moisture out of the trap, the gases can enter the house.
Another common problem from an overflowing condensate pan is damage to the HVAC system, which should not be running when full of water. Air filters, chemicals and electrical connections should stay dry. Further, the pump may have to work too hard to get rid of the excess water and break down.
Keeping the Drain Clear
The best means of ensuring your drain stays clear is to have it checked every year during your annual preventative maintenance visit. Otherwise, you can consult your HVAC system’s manual and follow instructions on how to clean the drain periodically with a wet/dry vacuum to clear out any plugs.
To learn more about condensate drain issues, contact Ace Hardware Home Services of Dayton. We have been family-owned and operated since 1978.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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