If you’ve ever stood next to a portable air conditioner or a through-the-wall unit, you might have noticed that it can spit out some water while it’s operating. But did you know that water is also created while your central air conditioner is running? Normally, this water is drained out of your home. But if you’re A/C drain (also known as your condensate drain) ever becomes clogged, it can cause water to leak from your system. Today we’re going to talk about how condensate drains get clogged and what you can do to prevent and fix A/C drain clogs if you ever encounter them!
What is the purpose of your air conditioner’s condensate drain?
When your air conditioner is operating, it doesn’t just cool your home’s air; it also dehumidifies it. This is a natural part of the cooling process, and it creates a certain amount of moisture that drips off of your unit’s evaporator coil.
When condensation drips off of your evaporator coil it falls into your unit’s drip pan, which is connected to the condensate drain. This drain extends to the outside of your home, where the condensation from your air conditioner is expelled.
How does your A/C’s drain get clogged?
If your condensate drain develops a clog, water can back up and cause your drip pan to overflow. This water will build up around your air conditioner and can potentially cause damage to your home. So why does this happen?
When moisture drips off of your evaporator coil, it can also carry dirt and other airborne particles that are present in your home’s air with it. This dirt and debris are what can build up in your A/C’s drain and cause a clog.
How can you prevent you’re A/C’s drain from getting clogged?
One way to prevent your air conditioner’s condensate drain from getting clogged is to regularly change your air filter. This will help limit the amount of dirt and other particles that make their way into the water that drains from your system. In addition, you can further limit those particles by installing a higher efficiency filter or a whole-house air cleaner.
Another great way to avoid a condensate drain clog is to have maintenance performed on your unit every year. During annual maintenance, we’ll check to ensure your system is draining water properly and fix any problems that we might find.
If you ever do encounter a clogged condensate drain, don’t hesitate to contact Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing. We can flush the drain for you and ensure that water flows easily out of your home.
If you have any questions about what to do if your A/C drain is clogged, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing, your St. Charles air conditioning company. We service the St. Louis area, including towns like St. Paul, St. Peters, and Town and Country.