When it comes to HVAC systems, one of the biggest complaints about them is when the condenser starts to make some odd noises or when the system is not blowing cold air. These problems can become very serious and can require immediate professional help, but this can also happen just because your condensate drain has become clogged.
How the condensate drain works in your AC unit
In order to describe what happens when it is not working properly, we have to understand how it works when everything is perfect. Your AC cools air by blowing regular air over super cold condenser coil. This chills the air that is afterwards blown throughout the house. As a result of the cooling process, water is collected on those condenser coils. As water condenses, it drips off the coils to some pan that collects water and let it drain outside the house. This is how it works when your condensate drain is working properly.
But unfortunately, drains can become clogged because a lot of reasons, such as mold, mildew or dusty sludge. When the drain becomes clogged, water will go back, first up the line and then into the pan. The water climbs the edges of the pan until it finally overflows it.
What problems can clogged condensate drain cause?
When your condensate drain gets clogged, it can cause a number of issues. As we already explained, the water in the pan has nowhere to go, so it can easily begin to overflow. This could damage your electrical components and maybe start fire. You now understand that clogged condensate drain can create costly damage and even corrosion inside your HVAC system. As you can see, water leak of any kind can cause a number of damages in your house, which can be even worse if the leak is inside your HVAC system. In any case, you will need hundreds of dollars to take care of that. Clogged condensate drain can even cause mold and mildew appearance.
How to solve this problem?
In some cases you can unclog your condensate drain yourself. But if you do it with the wrong tools or technique, you can make even greater damage. So it is always better to rely on professionals. They will not only resolve your present problem. They will also check if the leaking water caused some other kind of issue. If you want to be sure that your HVAC system is working properly, call a professional.