Your air conditioning systems consist of various components, some of which you may never know their purpose until they malfunction. One such component is the condensate drain, commonly known as the air conditioning drain. When the air conditioner cools your home, moisture from the air accumulates to form a condensate. It is the work of the condensate drain to remove the condensate to ensure that the AC is functioning smoothly. As we head to summer, you will need a fully functional air conditioning condensate drain to keep your AC problem-free.

What Is a Condensate Drain?

A condensate drain is the exit route for the moisture that accumulates when your air conditioning system is running. Moisture passes through an evaporator coil which converts it to water. The evaporator coil contains a pan underneath it where moisture is collected and funneled into a draining pipe that drains outside your house.

Whenever the AC is running, you will notice a slow drip from the pipe. That shows your condensate drain is working well. Over time, the condensate pipe can get clogged with algae, dirt, or other contaminants stopping water flow. If you notice that your drain line is not dripping, it shows there is a problem in the system.

What Happens When Your Condensate Drain Fails?

A failed condensate drain can affect the functionality of your entire AC system. The efficiency of AC separators and filters is directly dependent on the smooth flow of the water in the condensate drain system. If left unrepaired, the condensate pan can overflow and flood your home and the air conditioner unit. As a result, your air conditioning system may suffer irreparable damage. Also, depending on the AC location, the water may damage your ceiling, floor, furniture, and carpet.

Since the condensate pan collects contaminants, dirt, and microbes, the overflow may pose health challenges. It also provides a conducive environment for molds to grow. To prevent clogging, ensure you do regular maintenance on your air conditioning condensate drain.

Professional AC Repair and Maintenance in Chattanooga

As summer approaches in Chattanooga, a clogged air conditioning condensate drain is something you would not want to experience. Having a routine maintenance check by an HVAC expert can help you detect possible problems within your AC system and repair them before they cause damage. If you are experiencing problems with your condensate drain, contact the Chattanooga HVAC experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning today.