Is Your AC Drain Line Clogged? Symptoms & Signs
When your air conditioning unit cools your home, it does a lot more than just dropping the temperature inside. It’s also your number one way to keep humidity down all year long.
When your air conditioner removes moisture from the air, that liquid has to go somewhere: the AC condensate drain line.
During the year, because of mildew growth and build up, your air conditioner’s drain line can become clogged, causing your system to have problems. We’re here to go over the top five symptoms of a clogged AC drain line so that you know when to call for professional service.
Why Your AC Drain Line Clogs
When the evaporator coils of your HVAC system remove moisture from the air, water collects in a pan and then it will drain to the outside via the drain line (usually a PVC pipe).
However, over time, the water from the drip pan can cause mold growth, mildew, dirt, dust, and debris to collect in the pan or the pipe and clog the system. Usually, a professional service during a check-up or regular maintenance can prevent clogged AC drain lines.
Signs Your AC Drain Line is Clogged
From dripping water to a total system shutdown, air conditioners will always find a way to tell you that something is wrong. Here are five ways to tell that your AC system has a clogged drain line.
- Puddles of Water: When your drain line is clogged, a common sign is standing water around your AC unit. If your condensate pan can’t empty because of a clog, then the water will collect outside around the unit or near the indoor unit. This is the most obvious sign of a problem.
- Water Damage: When water doesn’t go where it’s supposed to, you’re left with wet walls and puddles in places they aren’t supposed to be. The result? Water damage in your home! Even a small amount of leaking water can lead to damage and mold in the walls or under floorboards.
- Moldy Smell: The perfect place for mold and mildew to form is an air conditioner with a filled condensate drain pan, extra condensation, and a clogged drain pipe. The growth can occur around the AC’s drain line or within the system, making a musty smell one of the other obvious signs of a clogged AC drain line.
- AC Doesn’t Turn On: Many indoor air handlers will have a sensor that trips when the pan stops draining and fills. This turns your air conditioning off so that it stops cooling and will prevent water from causing a leak. If your system shuts off and immediately switches off when you turn it back on, it’s time to call an HVAC professional.
- Full Drain Pan: When the cooling process causes more water to enter than the system can drain, it fills up the pan. Check to see if it’s full, a big way to tell that there is something going on with your HVAC unit.
Is it Time to Call Cool Rays?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of a clogged line, then it’s time to call Cool Rays in Brevard for some much-needed service. Make sure that your air conditioner is in tip-top shape all season by calling for a tune-up or repair when you need it most, and don’t ignore any sign that your air conditioning is having issues.
You can call our team to schedule service, to improve your indoor air quality, for an emergency repair, and more. Just check out our heating and cooling services to see what we can help you with!
