A Homeowner’s Guide to Avoiding a Clogged Drain Line Disaster
Most homeowners rarely think about their air conditioner until it quits blowing cool air on a hot summer day. Yet, as the experts at Schneller can tell you, even a functioning air conditioner requires some maintenance. One of the most important components of your air conditioning unit is the drain line, which allows condensation to exit your home
Through an exterior pipe. Usually, everything runs smoothly, and you never notice anything more than a slow drip outside of your house. However, over time, dust and bacteria can slowly build up and create a clog that leads to costly damage if it is not caught in time.
Property Damage Due to a Clogged Drain Line
If the water from your AC runs out of your house, then any damage should happen outside, right?
Wrong.
Your interior AC unit has a drip pan connected to the drain line that lies beneath the coils to collect condensation. When the drain line becomes clogged, the water can then overflow out of the pan and into your home. Water damage to your floors and furniture is a costly side effect of a clogged drain disaster. If your unit is stored in the attic, then repairs to the ceiling will also be in order.
Tip: If your drain line is clean, but your air filter isn’t looking quite as new, there are three big reasons you should change that air filter right away!
Potential Health Hazards
Sometimes, the damage caused by a clogged drain line is not immediately visible. When water cannot flow effectively through your heating and cooling system, mold and bacteria begin to grow. Now, your air has to pass over dirty, moldy components before it circulates throughout the air of your home.
Of course, no one wants to breathe in those particles, but family members and guests with sensitive allergies can be dangerously affected. Seeing black streaks or mold around your air vents is one sign that a clogged drain line could be the culprit behind your allergy symptoms.
Ready to banish unwanted mold and bacteria in your home? Consider an air scrubber.
Whether your AC is due for seasonal maintenance or you have noticed that the drain line is no longer dripping outside, don’t delay checking for clogs. Contact your heating and cooling professional to avoid a costly clogged drain line disaster and protect your health and property.