The Proper Care for a Common Cooling Repair

From the outside, air conditioners look like mechanical boxes that magically pump out cool air. But there’s a lot more to them than what meets the eye. Air conditioners are made up of many different components, all of which heavily depend on each other. If there’s a problem with one component, it’s going to throw the other components off kilter. What initially seems like an isolated problem can cause your unit to stop working completely, leaving you urgently needing AC repair in Jacksonville, FL.

This month, we’re going to talk about one component in particular: the condensate drain line. You’ve probably heard the term before, but you might not know what it means. It’s important to know not only what the drain line is, but how to properly maintain it. A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common AC problems we encounter during service calls. That’s why we really want to hone in on this one component and explain how you can avoid AC repair during the hottest months of the year.

What Does the Condensate Drain Line Do?

If you’re standing near the outdoor unit, you can see the end of the condensate drain line. It’s the white PVC or metal pipe that’s attached to the unit. The drain line runs from the air handler all the way to the outdoor unit.

As hot air circulates through the unit to be cooled, it releases moisture. The whole point of the drain line is to capture that moisture and remove it from the air as it’s being cooled.

How Do I Prevent Clogs and All That Nasty Stuff?

Given how much humidity we experience in Florida, you can imagine how important the condensate drain line is. The problem is when the moisture gets out of control and the drain line backs up. A clogged drain line is one of the most common repairs we see during the summer months. But with the right approach, you can avoid this issue and keep your AC running smoothly when you need it most.

Whether you call it “goo,” “gunk,” “dirt,” or another name, that sticky substance in your drain line should never be there. Any type of blockage will prevent water from reaching the exit pipe. This is what can make your air conditioner go kaput on a sweltering summer day.

The best way to prevent a drain line clog is to invest in seasonal AC maintenance. During a tune-up, our technicians will clean the drain line and ensure there are no blockages. We’ll also change out the air filter if you have one on site. Dust and debris that collects in air filters over time can also cause the drain line to clog.

When the humidity is especially bad, you can also flush the drain line with vinegar. Take a quarter of a cup of distilled vinegar. Turn off the unit at the thermostat and breaker. To find the condensate drain line, look for the PVC pipe attached to the outdoor unit. Locate the drain line’s access point (typically it’s a T-shaped vent with a removable cap) and then pour the vinegar down the drain line. Let the vinegar sit for about 30 minutes and then flush the unit with water before turning it back on. The vinegar will help remove mold, mildew and bacteria without damaging the piping.

Take Care of Business With Buehler

Just because summer is wrapping up, this doesn’t mean the hot weather is going anywhere. Pay extra attention to the condensate drain line and flush it once a month to prevent all that nasty stuff from causing a blockage. For every other comfort need you have, whether it’s an AC replacement or a custom indoor air quality solution, Buehler always has your back.

Schedule service directly by calling the HVAC Pros at Buehler Air Conditioning today!

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