Keeping the A/Cs Drain Line Clean Helps With Performance

Did you know your air conditioner not only cools your home, but also plays an important role in controlling humidity during the cooling process? To do that, your air conditioner makes use of a condensate drain, sending excess moisture there as it is removed from the home’s air. Obstructions in the drain line can prevent the A/C from properly dehumidifying the home, and makes the system less efficient, so cleaning the drain line should be part of regular HVAC maintenance.

How Clogs Occur

Over time, algae and even mold can build up in a condensate line due to the moist conditions, resulting in a sludgy clog. Water can then back up behind the clog into the drain pan, eventually spilling out of the pan and onto the floor. This type of leak is preventable, but it often gets to a pretty advanced stage before homeowners realize there is a problem. For this reason regular maintenance is very important. Your HVAC technician will be able to spot any signs of a problem before it gets to a more costly stage.

Locating and Cleaning the Condensate Line

You will likely find a small, dripping pipe located near the outdoor A/C unit. Find the indoor section of the drain line inside the access panel near the evaporator coil. There are some tasks that a homeowner might want to tackle, and which might seem easy, but are often best left to the professionals. Your HVAC tech will turn off power to the air conditioner and at the very least, use a wet-dry vacuum to clean, to remove sludge from the drain pan or line.

While regular maintenance is important, you can help your A/C perform efficiently and help increase its service life by looking out for any signs of problems and contacting your HVAC technician. The sooner a problem is addressed, the less likely it will be that other parts of the system will be affected, and the less costly it will be also.

Tempco Heating and Air Conditioning Co. provides experienced service to assist with drain line or any other HVAC-related problem. Call us at (847) 670-7000 for more information or to schedule an appointment.