Your central air conditioner produces gallons of condensate each day, so problems with the drainage system are bound to crop up occasionally. Here are some of the most common issues that might develop, with some advice on how to get them solved quickly to keep your A/C cooling properly and help you avoid inconvenience or unnecessary expense.
Algae Clogs
If an overgrowth of algae forms a blockage in the drain lines, condensate can back up and overflow causing costly water damage to your home. To avoid this, be sure to schedule a professional A/C checkup in the spring that includes inspecting and cleaning the condensate collection pans and drain lines.
Mold Growth
Once mold gets established in the moist, warm environment of your A/Cs drainage system, it can spread throughout the ductwork and degrade your home’s indoor air quality. If mold gains a foothold in the evaporator coil, it can block the small spaces between the copper tubing and suffocate crucial system airflow. If you see any signs of mold, have the system inspected to identify the source and get it corrected right away.
Iced Evaporator Coil
If your air conditioner suddenly stops producing cool air, look for a water puddle underneath the indoor unit that tells you the coil is frozen. An experienced HVAC specialist can identify and fix the cause, which may be a malfunctioning thermostat, insufficient blower fan speed, or a drop in the refrigerant level.
Unpleasant Odors
If your A/C drain runs into your home’s main sewer line, it has a U-shaped trap to retain some water and prevent sewer gas backups into the ductwork. If you notice an unpleasant odor whenever the blower fan cycles on, have an HVAC pro investigate why the trap is drying out.
System Shutdowns
Some cooling systems are equipped with a sensor that detects condensate backups and shuts down the equipment to prevent an overflow. Once the sensor is triggered, an HVAC technician will need to open the sealed air handler compartment, unclog and clean the drainage system and reset the sensor to get your A/C running again.
If you’re experiencing condensate drain issues with the central AC in your home, contact us at Airco Service Inc. for an expert evaluation and solution.