One of the most important functions of your air conditioner is the removal of moisture from the atmosphere. That muggy feeling causing your clothes to become sticky and covered in sweat quickly disappears when your AC is functioning correctly.
Part of this moisture removal function is draining condensate water that has been taken out of the air. This is where your condensate drain comes in, The water that gets drawn out from the air through condensation turns from gas to liquid, which then drips down into the condensation pan. The water that gets collected in the condensation pan must then be deposited through a drain and away from your home.
In good working order, your condensate drain is a nice drink for your outdoor plants and grass. When clogged though, your condensate drain can cause a multitude of problems in your house, some of which can eventually lead to expensive air conditioning repair in Winter Park, FL. Keep reading to get the full scoop!
The Creation of a Condensate Clog
We’d like to assume that it’s fresh, clean water that’s being drawn from the atmosphere and deposited outdoors through the condensate drain. However, that’s not always the case. Dust, debris, and bacteria can also be in condensed water, which means that your condensate drain can be filled with thick gunk that will eventually get clogged up. As this goo accumulates, your air conditioner will have a harder time getting rid of moisture, decreasing efficiency while eventually leading to some serious problems.
Arising Issues
As your condensate drain clogs up, you’ll find more and more problems coming up with your air conditioning system.
- The flourishing of mold and mildew. Mold and mildew require two things—moisture, and a damp, dark, cool environment. Bacteria grows from the moisture that’s stuck in your condensate drain which can breed mold and eventually lead to harmful health effects for anyone breathing the air in your home.
- Water damage. The water that gets clogged in your condensate drain eventually has to go somewhere if it overflows. It can then damage the interior of your air conditioner, or the walls and interior of your home if we’re talking about an indoor air handler. This water damage can be incredibly expensive to fix.
- Decreasing efficiency. If the condensate drain is clogged, your air conditioner will have difficulty draining the moisture that it has drawn from the air. This will ultimately inhibit the ability for your AC to cool your home down.
No matter what kind of air conditioner you have, whether it’s a ductless mini split or a central air conditioner, a problem with your condensate drain will ultimately become an expensive issue that can hurt your wallet and cause some unnecessary headaches.
Solutions
So, what do you do if you suspect a condensate drain clog? Well, call your local service professional, of course! Sometimes people try to clean out their AC condensate drain themselves, but performing this task incorrectly could cause damage to your AC and end up costing more money in the long run.
If you’re experiencing a condensate drain clog, contact Gary Munson Heating & Air Conditioning today!