In the summer time or whenever you are feeling the heat, there is always the handy option of turning the air conditioner and enjoying that refreshing, cool blast of air. Not only are you enjoying the comforts of lower temperatures, but you can also reduce the humidity level in your home by removing the excess moisture that is in the air.
Most people don’t realize this but the entire AC system and process is made possible with the existence of the air conditioner drain line, which helps transport the water to the outside.
Over time though, it is inevitable that the drain line will get clogged up with algae or mildew. If left unchecked, this can cause water to back up and flow back into your air conditioner unit instead. This will cause damage requiring AC repair.
If the need arises for a new air conditioner drain line, here is some important information you will need to know.
AC Drain Line Cleaning
First of all, it is important to determine if your drain line is actually clogged. If you can see an excessive amount of standing water, that is usually a clear sign. Water damage and a moldy smell are also indicators that you should take a closer look.
A common way to clear any clogs is to use a shop vac. Attach the shop vac hose at the external spout, towards the end of the drain line. Try to tighten the connection by using duct tape or even a cloth around the vacuum mouth.
Turn the shop vac on for a minute or two. Then, open your shop vac to check what it’s removed. If it sucked out a fair bit of brown algae water, you’ve likely cleared the clog successfully. Otherwise, run the vacuum again until it removes the clog.
Of course, the process isn’t always quite as simple and sometimes, the clog takes a lot more effort to remove. This is why hiring experts for a semi annual maintenance is crucial. Regular inspections and cleaning can extend the longevity of your systems.
Maintaining Your AC Drain Line
Maintenance can go a long way in keeping your drain lines working optimally. You can try pouring a little vinegar every other month to keep things clear. It can be a total disaster to find a clog after many years especially as the signs may not always be so obvious. This is especially so as clogged drain lines and drain pans can go unnoticed for months or even years since it might not prevent the air conditioner from doing its job.
You can also consider installing drain line float switches that are found in the newer systems. They will shut the system off in the event of a problem, potentially saving you thousands in damages before it is too late.
As more and more people get used to having an air conditioner as part of their daily routine, there is a need to know about some potential problems that can develop. The importance of the drain line in ensuring your AC system works flawlessly cannot be understated. Remember to book your AC system in for a semi annual maintenance check to keep everything working well.