How to Clean your AC Drainline
The efficiency of your AC unit relies on many factors, including keeping your drain line clean and clear. Taking a closer look at your AC unit, you might notice a small dripping line on the outside. This is the condensation drain – it plays an important role in removing any condensation produced by your air conditioners evaporator coil.
If this coil is not properly maintained, algae and mold can grow inside it, clog the drain, and result in a number of issues. These issues range in severity from elevated humidity and musty odors, all the way to serious water damage to your property. If not properly inspected by experts, it is common that this aspect of the unit is overlooked during routine maintenance. It is important to have the drain line checked during regularly scheduled maintenance and consistently check it on your own.
How To Check Your AC Drain Line
To avoid serious issues, like water damage, it is important to check your AC unit’s drain line regularly. Calling in experts, like Trust Heating and Air, to check and clean the drain line is the easiest and most effective option. However, there are ways to check on your own at home.
Some of the newer AC units include a special sensor that alerts you when your unit is clogged. This allows you to fix any clogs before serious issues arise. If you do not have this technology on your AC unit, check the drain pan to see if it is full of water. If the drain pan is full of water, this might mean it is clogged. Every time you change your AC filter, get in the habit of checking your drain pan.
What Steps Can I Take to Clean My AC Drain Line?
By using only a few household products, you can clean your own AC drain line. By doing this and having regularly scheduled maintenance, you can keep your unit running smoothly and at its peak performance.
Step 1 – Turn off your AC unit: Turn your air conditioner off at BOTH the thermostat and the breaker.
Step 2 – Find your condensation drain line: This should be a PVC pipe near the outdoor unit that attaches to the wall of your house.
Step 3 – Locate the access point: This will most likely look like a T-shaped vent with a cover or cap. Remove the cap at the top of the drain and inspect for any blockage.
Step 4 – Use distilled vinegar: Where the cap was removed, pour ¼ cup of distilled vinegar to the drain line to flush the system. If the smell of vinegar is too strong, you can also use peroxide or hot water and a drop of dish soap.
Step 5 – Let the solution sit for 30 minutes: After the vinegar sits, flush the pipe out with water so everything is operating as it should and water is flowing freely through.
By doing this you will kill any harmful bacteria or build up that might grow in the pipes. This will help your AC system operate at its peak performance. Other issues can also result in compromised water flow or drainage issues with your AC unit. This is when it might be time to call in the professionals.
If you are unable to clean your air conditioners drain line, call Trust Heating and Air. We can ensure your machine is running properly. Routine maintenance is important to keep an AC unit running more efficiently and longer. The AC drain line is just one of many components, but it is important nonetheless. Call Trust Heating and Air today to get your drain line checked and cleaned.
