The humid Gulf Coast climate means that here in the Mobile area, your air conditioner has to work even harder. As the demand on the air conditioner increases, so does the demand on your condensate system. Warm air that passes over the evaporator coil is cooled, cooling your home in turn. As that water vapor condenses, it drips, and is collected in a pan and drained from the air conditioning unit. However, as the process occurs, various condensate drain problems can develop, which can cause health problems for your family, or damage to your home.
Mold Growth
The drain tube that leads away from the A/C drain pan is almost always damp during the summer cooling season, making it an ideal environment for mold growth. Mold spores can be detrimental to your family’s health, so it is important to keep your condensate drain clean and flowing freely so your indoor air quality is not affected by mold.
Drain Trap
The condensate drain has a U-shaped trap similar to the trap below your kitchen sink. The condensate drain must work effectively so that water flows properly out of the system. Traps can become blocked or dry out. If water does not flow through properly, mold, mildew and fungus can develop. This can also cause sewer odors and gases to back up into your home. To prevent this, ensure the trap is inspected, cleaned and maintained regularly.
Leakage and Flooding
If mold, algae growth or other debris obstruct or block the condensate drain line, the condensate pan can become filled with water and eventually overflow. The resulting flooding can damage flooring, drywall, and air conditioning equipment, especially if it goes unnoticed for a long time.
Including condensate drain system inspection and cleaning in your seasonal HVAC maintenance agreement can prevent the above problems and help your system perform more efficiently. If you have concerns about your condensate drain, or need any other air conditioning repair service, call (251) 415-4559 to speak with the pros at Air Specialty.