Cleaning Your A/C Drain

Wait – air conditioning units have drains? Isn’t everything self-contained so that consumers never have to worry about dealing with the internal specifics of a powerful machine? And why would an air conditioner even need a drain in the first place?

No matter how smoothly an air conditioner appears to run or maintain, none operate without drawing in and treating warmer air in order to make that air cooler, thereby adding a layer of comfort to modern living.

Even in the driest of climates, the atmosphere contains a certain degree of humidity. When air is continually pulled through an air conditioning system, the moisture in it has to go somewhere. Rather than allow for excess water to build up in an air conditioning system, which increases the chances of malfunction as well as bacterial growth, all units have some method of draining moisture.

And those drains require periodic inspection and cleaning. Otherwise, the drain could clog up and cause an overflow. Algae buildup can become extensive, to the point of blocking a drain altogether. And, like it or not, air conditioning drains can make for hospitable homes for insects, which can also result in a damaging blockage.

Refer to your owner’s manual to find the location of your unit’s drain. Then, make a visual inspection to see if any blockages are apparent. Also, consider running the unit for several minutes to see if the drain operates properly. If it is in good working order, you should hear a dripping sound (and, depending on the drain, also see some water running out of it into, say, a floor drain in your furnace closet). No drips could be a sign that the drain is blocked.

If algae growth is the culprit, try running a 6-ounce solution of white vinegar through the pipes. Just doing so on a regular basis should prevent any algae growth from proliferating.

If the blockage does not clear up with the vinegar treatment, consider clearing the line with a wet vacuum system with strong suction. As with any potential mixture of water and electricity, it is essential to take appropriate precautions while preparing the work area and running any electrical devices.

If you are unsure about what constitutes a safe working environment for performing any air conditioning maintenance, always consult a professional. Call A/C World today!