Repairing a Clogged Condensate Drain Line

There’s no denying that air conditioners are complex appliances, which often require the intervention of a professional when it comes time for repairs. Yet certain air conditioning repairs are basic enough that even relative amateurs can accomplish them. If you would like to learn more about one such repair for fixing a leaky AC, read on. This article will discuss how--and why--to clear out a clogged drain line.

The Problem 

A running air conditioner produces a good deal of water, in the form of condensation. This condensation forms on the evaporator coils as the frigid refrigerant flows through them. The water then drips down into the condensate drain pan, which carries it to a drain line leading safely away from the air conditioner.

Over time, however, debris, build-up, and even algae act to form blockages within the condensate line. This causes the water to back up in the drain pan, eventually spilling over the sides and manifesting as a leak.

The Solution 

Fixing this problem is relatively simple. To begin, shut off the power to your air conditioner and remove the outer grill from the condenser in your yard. To do this, you’ll need to find the grill’s attachment points and loosen them up with either a screwdriver or a wrench.

Once you’ve got the grill lifted free, you should be able to easily identify the drain pan, which is comprised of a flat metal rectangle. At one corner you will see the hole that leads to the drain line. Boil up a kettle of water and then pour it carefully and slowly into this hole. The boiling hot water is often enough to loosen up and blockages.

You may also use a pipe cleaner of the appropriate thickness to help remove more stubborn build up. Chances are this will restore proper functionality to the drain line, and thus eliminate your nagging leak. If not, feel free to contact J.R. Perkins Heating & Cooling, an HVAC company that services the Phoenix AZ area including Scottsdale, for a professional evaluation.

JR Perkins is the first heating and air conditioning company in the East Valley. To learn more please visit our website at www.JRPerkins.com or call (480) 422-4437.

Don't Put Off Air Conditioning Repair Until Next Year

Now that the summer has come to an end and temperatures will be cooling off soon, you might be thinking about putting off any necessary air conditioning repair until next year. After all, you’ll be relying on your system less as the cooler months arrive, and waiting until next year can give you a little more time to budget for the repairs. However, if at all possible, it's generally best to handle repair issues right away rather than waiting.

First of all, you should know that many heating and air conditioning units share a lot of components, such as if you have a central heating and air conditioning system. This means that it’s important that your system as a whole is in good working order, so that you are prepared to cool or heat your home as the weather changes.

Plus, time will likely fly by before you know it. You might continue to put off the repair and forget about it completely. Then, you might get a rather unpleasant surprise when you and your family try to turn up your air conditioning system when the weather heats up. Also, if you wait until the last minute, you might find that your favorite heating and air conditioning repair company is actually all booked up with appointments for other people's air conditioning repairs and tune-ups. This could leave you and your family dealing with the heat a lot longer than you had ever planned.

As you can see, it's generally not a good idea to put off air conditioning repair until next summer. Instead, call your HVAC contractor to come out and make these repairs now. Then, you can also have your entire system, maintained and inspected for any other less transparent issues at the same time.

Common Questions About Air Conditioning Service, Installation and Repair

Air conditioners make our lives more comfortable and make it possible to do productive work when the outside temperature would otherwise force us to take afternoon siestas. However, getting the best use from these machines requires some knowledge about air conditioning service, installation, and repair. Here are five frequently asked questions:

When should an air conditioner be regassed?

The gas inside an air conditioner doesn't degrade or get old. The only time an air conditioner needs regassing is when it has a leak.

When should I replace my air conditioner?

If your air conditioner is fairly new, repairing it is the better option. However, if it is near the end of its operational life, you may want to consider replacing it. Hanging on to an old machine will mean continuing repair costs as its various components wear out. If your unit is older than ten years, you can get substantial energy savings by getting a new replacement. New air conditioners benefit from technology improvements that give them considerable energy efficiencies.

Before calling an air conditioning service company, what should I check on my own?

Make sure it's not turned off, that the thermostat is set properly, and that it's getting power. Checking the power is done by making sure no circuit breakers are tripped. If you find that your AC unit frequently trips your circuit breakers, this indicates a problem that needs to be looked at by an AC service technician.

How frequently should I schedule maintenance for my air conditioner?

To keep your unit running efficiently and to avoid expensive breakdowns, regular maintenance is best. The best time of year for an air conditioning tune up is spring to early summer.

Is a bigger air conditioning system better?

The size of the space you wish to cool determines the capacity of the air conditioner. Bigger is not better in this case. An oversized air conditioner will constantly cycle on and off. Because air conditioners are inefficient when they're first turned on, the constant cycling will run up your electrical bill. Air conditioners also require steady running time to remove humidity. Therefore your home will have a low temperature and a high humidity, which means it'll feel cold and clammy.

If you need any more information about the questions above, or have any other questions about air conditioning service, installation or repair, we can help! Give us a call at (480) 946-5083 - we'd be happy to help!