As your HVAC system
provides heating and cooling for your home, humidity is extracted by the HVAC.
The extracted moisture eventually turns into condensation. The condensate line
is the part of your HVAC system that functions as a drain line to remove the
condensation out of the system. Thus, the condensate line prevents your air
conditioner from malfunctioning by dehumidifying your household’s air. However,
the drain line may get clogged over time. You can yourself check your
condensate line often to prevent clogging. Learn more about why you should
keep the condensate line in check.
Know
your condensate line
For
the optimal comfortable temperature of your home, your air conditioner’s
evaluation coil has to remove the moisture from the air. Even though the drain
pan collects the moisture, it cannot be stored or left there. The condensate
line drains the moisture out of your HVAC system. Over time, dirt and stagnant
condensed water cause the line to get obstructed. This problem can be dangerous
for your HVAC system and can cause more significant issues like inefficiency in
cooling or heating or noticing uncomfortable moisture in your home. To
prevent your HVAC system from malfunctioning, you have to keep your condensate
pipe.
The
condensate line is simply PVC or metal pipe. You can quickly identify the line
as it is the one that passes through the external wall to the outside of your
home. In many advanced models of AC units, there is an automatic shut-off
technology that indicates when water is clogged inside the system. If you
notice that your HVAC is not significantly cooling or heating even after
switching it on for long periods, you should check the condensate line.
What
to do when your condensate line is clogged?
Once you know that your condensate line is clogged, you can
take the following steps to solve the problem by yourself:
- Pass stiff wire or long stick through the condensate line and unclog the dirt accumulated around the pipe. You can even use long, thin bristle brushes to clean the drain pipe internally. Once the line is obstruction-free, the water will easily get drained out of the system.
- Once the line is cleaned using a wire, you can flush the drain with a cup of white vinegar. The solution of white vinegar helps clean the layer of bacteria, algae, or debris around the walls of the drain. You can try to flush the solution often to prevent the building up of any algae or dirt. Keep in mind that during summertime, you have to do this often than other times of the year. Due to the increased humidity of summer, the condensed water promotes a higher formation of algae, bacteria,
and other microorganisms. To prevent their growth, make sure to use the solution frequently.
- Another mixture you can use to keep the condensate
pipe blockage-free is mixing vinegar and dish soap into some water. This solution helps in breaking down any form of blockages in the condensate pipe. For future prevention of blockage, flush the solution through the condensate line every few months. Bleach is another excellent alternative liquid to rinse through your condensate line. However, take proper precautions before using bleach as it can cause dangerous hazards if inhaled or comes in skin contact.
- Even after taking the steps mentioned above, if your condensate line has stubborn clogs, you can use the suction power of your vacuum cleaner to dislodge those blockages.
Keeping your condensate line clean can improve the air quality of your home.
Conclusion:
The
condensate line of your HVAC system is a vital part of the smooth functioning
of your cooling and heating systems. If you keep your condensate line checked,
then you can ensure a better state of your HVAC system. You can sanitize,
maintain and prevent clogging your condensate line by yourself. However, if you
notice your condensate line needs further diagnosis, you can consult HVAC professionals
to properly diagnose the drain line and take the necessary steps to ensure its
proper functioning.
See the summary of this content in
an infographic – What
to do when your condensate line is clogged? [Infographic]
