Keep Your Condensate Drain Line Clean
When you schedule routine air conditioning maintenance in Tucson, AZ, you may assume that everything is all set until next year. This is not really, true, though. There are a few things that you should do in the interim to ensure that your air conditioner keeps working precisely as it ought to. You should, for instance, be diligent in changing out your filter as necessary. You may also need to clean out your condensate drain line from time to time.
This is not as widely known or discussed a maintenance task as changing your air filter is, but that doesn’t make it any less vital in keeping your air conditioner working properly. The good news is that it is very simple to do. Read on for a few tips about cleaning your condensate drain line, and why doing so is necessary in the first place.
Why Clean the Condensate Drain Line?
As your air conditioner cools your home by removing heat from the air moving over the evaporator coil, moisture is drawn out of that air. That moisture collects on the coil as condensation. That condensation can’t just sit there, though, so it drips down into a drain pan and is removed from your home via the condensate drain line. If the condensate drain line is clogged up, it can lead to a few different issues.
First of all, it can cause water damage. If your drain line backs up and the pan overflows, it can pool around the system. That can damage the floor upon which the unit sits. Plus, it can lead to mold growth and promote other biological pollutants that thrive in damp conditions.
There are condensate drain line cleaners that you can buy, though many homeowners simply whip up a concoction with some vinegar and water. Accessing the drain line should be fairly simple. Just turn off the system, find the pan, and remove the existing moisture with a wet vac or some rags. Pour the solution down the line and let it sit for half an hour or so before firing the AC back up. If the line is actually clogged, you may be able to vacuum it out. Using a piece of flexible tubing to force the clog through is also okay.
To learn more or to schedule any AC services, just call the pros here at Goettl Air Conditioning.
