Tags: Lakewood Ranch AC Company, Lakewood Ranch AC installation, Lakewood Ranch AC Maintenance, Lakewood Ranch AC Repair, Lakewood Ranch AC Replacement
Fun fact: 65% of homeowners who’ve experienced home repair issues say these problems could have been prevented with proactive maintenance.
Often, small issues can trigger bigger problems that are more complicated and costly to fix.
A clogged condensate line is a prime example of this. If you ignore a drain line clog, this could compromise your entire AC unit. It can also cause water damage, and trigger mold growth.
Here in Lakewood Ranch, AC units have to work overtime, and drain line clogs are common.
Fortunately, it’s not hard to spot an AC drain line clog, you just need to know what signs to look for.
Keep reading to find out 4 telltale signs that you have a clogged condensate line.
1. It’s Wet Around the AC Unit
To cool air, AC units take in ambient air and pass it over cooled evaporator coils. As the air cools, this causes condensation to build up on the coils, also known as condensate.
The condensate then collects in the condensate pan. The condensate line drains the water out of the pan. If the condensate drain is clogged, water will build up in the pan until it overflows.
Depending on how much condensate your unit is producing, you’ll quickly start to notice moisture buildup around your AC.
This might look like standing pools of water. Or, you might start to see signs of dampness or water damage, such as peeling paint, rotting wood, algae, or mold growth.
Because Florida is so humid, a leaking AC can cause water damage pretty quickly.
2. Your Unit Smells Moldy
Speaking of mold, does your AC unit smell musty? If the condensate line has been clogged for a while, the leaking water can create the perfect conditions for mold growth, both in and around the unit.
Mold can have severe health implications, especially for people with allergies, compromised immune systems, or respiratory problems such as asthma.
And your AC unit is one of the worst places for mold to grow. Mold in your AC unit can produce airborne spores that then get distributed all over your home. This can compromise indoor air quality and spread the infestation.
3. It Turns off and Won’t Turn On Again
A lot of AC units have built-in sensors that will trip the motor if the condenser pan fills up too much and doesn’t drain. This is to protect your unit from being flooded and damaged by backed-up condensate.
If you try to turn the unit back on, it will immediately turn off again. This stops the AC from producing further condensate that will overfill the collection pan.
4. The Drain Pan Is Always Full
Have you noticed that the drain pan on your unit is always nearly full? If yes, this probably means that the drain line is partially clogged.
If there is no standing water or signs of moisture damage, then the line might still be draining, but very slowly.
Does Your Condensate Drain Need Cleaning or Replacement?
If the condensate drain on your AC is clogged, you need to take action right away. A clogged AC drain can put your unit at risk, as backed-up water and electrics are never a good mix. A leaking AC can also cause water damage to your home, and encourage mold growth, especially in a hot, humid state like Florida.
If you need your AC drain line unclogged or replaced in Lakewood Ranch, we are the people to speak to.
At Schwartz Air, we pride ourselves on delivering the best service in town. We are available around the clock.
Contact us today to book a callout and get that clogged condensate drain sorted out before it causes bigger problems.