There are many parts to your air conditioner that must all work together to produce cool air effectively and efficiently. One of these elements is the condensation, or more specifically, the condensate drain pan. Today, we at Hal Mechanical would like to discuss its role in the HVAC system.
Need for Condensate Drain Pan
The mixture of cold refrigerant coils with warm air can create condensation when the air conditioning is running. If you leave a glass of ice-cold water to sit out on a hot day, these small water droplets are the same. A normal part of the air conditioning processes is the condensation production. A drain pan that catches the condensation that falls off the condenser coils, inside the air conditioning system, or furnace. Before the water is charged outside or down a drain, it is directed through a pipe.
What is a Secondary Drain Pan?
It most likely is installed horizontally since there’s not enough headroom to install it vertically if in the event your furnace or AC air handler system is located in the attic. Though it does change the way condensation drips off the coils, this is a fine application. In order for it to collect any water that isn’t caught by the internal drain pan, a secondary drain pan should be large enough to cover the length and width of the unit when it is placed underneath it. Additionally, this secondary drain pan possesses its own water discharge line.
What Causes AC Drain Pan to Clog, Crack or Rust?
A very simple yet important component of your HVAC system is the condensate drain pan. You could end up with water leaking around the area of your unit without it, or if it becomes damaged. The water can lead to damage on your ceilings, walls, floor, and other fixtures no matter where it is located, but especially if there is an issue in he attic. Common drain pan problems are listed below.
Drain line clog: The pipe for the primary or secondary drain pan can easily develop a buildup from the bacteria and debris. The pan can overflow, or water can get backed up to the unit, which can cause mechanical issues if this pipe becomes clogged.
Drain Pan Cracks: Due to changing temperatures, the weight of water if it fills up, or improper installation, a plastic drain pan can develop cracks over time. Enough water to seep through and cause significant damage can occur even in the smallest of racks.
Rust in Drain Pan: Though the newer ones are made of plastic typically, rust only applies to really old drain pans that are made out of metal. However, rusty spots can lead to water leaks and should be addressed as quickly as possible.
Emergency Central Air Conditioner Repair & More in Aliante, Anthem, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Inspirada, Mountain’s Edge, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Providence, Rhodes Ranch, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, The Lakes, Tuscany Village & Las Vegas Nevada
When it comes to your air conditioner service needs, such as maintenance, repairs, installation, or replacement services, the friendly experts of Hal Mechanical are readily available. Our trained and experienced experts have the understanding and skills to execute the services we provide with quality marksmanship. To maximize our efforts, Hal Mechanical only uses advanced equipment and premium products.
