One of the more common HVAC issues that people run into is a clogged AC drain line. Your air conditioner works by evaporating and condensing water in the air and does this through two types of coils: the evaporator coil in the outside unit and the condenser coil inside. Once the condenser coil has condensed this water, it is drained away through your air conditioner drain line. First, it lands in a condensate or drip pan under your indoor unit, and, from there, it drains into your plumbing system. When the AC drain line becomes clogged it can cause a lot of issues for your heating & air conditioning, and may eventually lead to a breakdown. Because of this, it is important to look out for the signs of a clogged AC drain line.
Full Drain Pans & Growing Mold
The most obvious sign of a clogged AC drain line is that your condensation or drip pan (under the indoor unit) is overflowing. Even if it has not quite overflowed and just seems to be draining slowly, this might be a problem. It should drain the water fairly quickly, so if you see it over halfway filled, there is likely a problem. This is something worth checking regularly because an overflow can not only cause issues for how your AC functions, it can also cause water damage around the area where your indoor unit is housed. If you do notice this, it is time to call for AC repairs to prevent this damage as well as wear and tear on your air conditioner.
Another key sign that you are dealing with a clogged AC drain line is mold growth. With slow drainage, mold will start to grow along the AC drain line, in the drip pan, and in the indoor air handler unit as well. This can be really dangerous as mold that makes its way into the air handler will be blown throughout the house and your ductwork. If it is not caught early enough, this mold can be really difficult to totally remove, and can also be toxic to people and pets. This is especially important to look out for if you or your family members have a mold allergy or other respiratory problems, like asthma.
A Clogged AC Drain Line Can Trigger a Shutoff
Finally, your air conditioner might break down from a clogged AC drain line. If this happens, it is definitely time to call in a professional for air conditioner repair. Many AC units have sensors to prevent overflow, so an unexpected breakdown might be caused by this sensor. If your AC stops working suddenly, one thing to check is whether there is a lot of water in the drip pan, which might have triggered the shutoff. This is in place to prevent the water damage and mold growth that can come from unaddressed clogs. While it can be annoying to deal with an air conditioner shutoff, this feature protects you from bigger issues that can develop.
Learn More About AC Drain Line Maintenance Issues
If you notice any of the signs laid out in this article, it is time to get your heating & air conditioning checked out by a service team. In St. Louis and the surrounding areas, give us a call at Galmiche & Sons today!
