Air Conditioning|General

During the normal cooling process, your A/C extracts water from the air and sends it outdoors through the built-in drainage system. Problems with the drain system can result in unpleasant odors, mold growth that degrades your indoor air quality, or even HVAC equipment and property damage. Here’s how to deal with three of the most common drainage system issues that develop, so you can avoid messy cleanups, prevent costly repairs, and maintain a healthier air supply.

Dry Drain Trap

Your condensate drain system most likely includes a trap that’s similar to the one on the kitchen sink. When the air conditioner is used regularly, water that’s retained in the trap forms a seal that keeps noxious sewer gas odors from entering your home. If you notice a foul smell whenever the A/C is running, the drain line may not be installed properly, so have it checked by your HVAC pro.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

When dust and dirt particles get inside the air handler and build up on the evaporator coil, they’ll get carried into the drainage system along with the condensate that drips off the coil. Eventually, all that debris can clog up the drain line. Changing your A/C air filter regularly can help prevent this, but it’s also vital to have the evaporator professionally cleaned during a yearly maintenance visit.

Mold or Algae Growth

Warmth, moisture, and supply of organic particles make your condensate drain system an ideal environment where mold and algae can thrive. If either gain a foothold and start to flourish, an overgrowth can clog up the drain line and cause a condensate backup that leads to water damage in your home. If it’s not kept in check, mold can also circulate throughout your air supply via the ductwork, or even clog up the evaporator coil, restrict essential system airflow and cause equipment damage. To avert these problems, you or your HVAC technician should flush out the drain lines and clean the pan periodically.

Your air conditioner is a complex system of motorized parts, electrical components, refrigerant, fans, and more. If one part is too dirty, out of whack, or has simply gone kaput, your A/C won’t operate efficiently or, perhaps, it won’t work at all. Try these troubleshooting tips before you call your HVAC contractor.

Unit Doesn’t Run

The first component to check if your A/C isn’t running at all is the thermostat. Make sure it hasn’t been turned to HEAT accidentally. Adjust the temperature five degrees below the displayed temperature. If your A/C still doesn’t turn on, look inside the circuit box to see if a breaker has tripped.

Unit Runs but Not Cooling

It can be frustrating and perplexing when your A/C is running but it’s not blowing out cool air from the vents. There may be dirty components or obstructions that are making your A/C work too hard and unable to keep up with the cooling load.

Journey outdoors and take a look at the unit next to your home (i.e. in a split-system A/C). Remove any obstructions to airflow, such as tall grass and debris. If the condenser coil inside the unit doesn’t receive ample airflow, it won’t be able to cool.

The condenser itself could be dirty enough to block heat transfer — especially if you haven’t scheduled professional maintenance this year. Use a can of spray-on foaming cleaner. Let it soak in according to the instructions and spray off with a garden hose. Make sure power is turned off at the thermostat and circuit breaker.

Professional HVAC Help

Professional preventive maintenance is essential for keeping your A/C running efficiently. This saves you energy, reduces system wear, and keeps your San Marcos home comfortable until summer’s end. Moreover, regular service helps prevent expensive and unnecessary malfunctions, which always seem to occur at the hottest and most inopportune times of the year.