Have you ever wondered what happens to all the moisture your AC collects during the cooling process? Your air conditioner has a part called a condensate drain that is designed to collect and channel away this moisture. But water and condensation aren’t all that’s capable of entering this drain. Dust and dirt can accumulate and things like mold spores can develop in this line and become trapped in the drain.
Just like with any drain line with a small diameter, the condensate line can eventually become clogged to the point that no condensation can pass through. This water may back up into the air conditioner or around the surrounding floor and walls. As you can imagine, leaking water is never a good thing in a home. Learn why this happens and what you can do to prevent it. If your AC develops a drain clog, give us a call for prompt air conditioning service in Hammond.
The Problem with Clogs
During a regular AC tune-up, the technician will check the condensate line. But if you’ve skipped those annual maintenance visits and you’re not checking the condensate drain line yourself, a clog is inevitable.
Dust particles and dirt can accumulate in the line and begin sticking to the inner walls of the pipe. Then, those particles begin to attract more gunk until a clog develops and inhibits or completely blocks the flow of water. This could happen slowly and you’ll notice it first by seeing water accumulating in the condensate pan.
When this happens, water can quickly overflow and cause water damage to the surrounding areas of your home. If you see or hear water dripping into your condensate pan, that’s a warning sign. You’ll also notice that your AC doesn’t seem to be working properly as the humidity increases.
That’s because when your AC doesn’t have a way to dispose of the moisture it removes from the air in your home, you’ll notice that the air in your house may feel humid and muggy, even if your AC is still technically running.
How to Prevent Condensate Drain Clogs
Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent clogs. If you have a heat pump, it needs tune-ups twice a year. During maintenance, we’ll check your AC thoroughly for any potential problems including condensate drain line clogs. Tune-ups are a preventative measure meant to guard against problems like these.
You can also try a DIY method to keep the drain line clear. Simply use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of plain white vinegar and pour it down the condensate drain. This can be done 4 times a day, or every season if it’s easier to remember.
Vinegar can help reduce dirt, dust, mold, and other things that can clog the drain. When you prevent dust and dirt from getting into the system, to begin with, there’s less of a chance that all that gunk will develop into a clog.
When you need it done right contact Professional Heating & Air. Contact us today to schedule AC maintenance or repairs.