Air conditioner maintenance is the best way to prevent malfunctions and breakdowns of your HVAC system. One of the most common AC maintenance issues that can cause indoor humidity problems is a clogged drain line.
When your air conditioning system converts water vapor to liquid, it creates excess moisture that accumulates and needs to be drained. This water typically collects in your air conditioner’s drain pan, which then empties to an outdoor location. If your drain line clogs, it causes your air conditioner to back up and can lead to humidity issues.
Older systems that haven’t had professional AC maintenance services regularly are particularly at risk for clogs. AC maintenance is the best way to decrease the risk for humidity issues caused by a clogged drain line.
What Humidity Issues Do Clogged Drains Cause?
When a drain line becomes clogged, the water has nowhere to go and begins evaporating. This increases indoor humidity levels, leading to extensive damage like the development of mold growth and mildew. It can also cause water damage to drywall if it leaks from the drain line or drip pan.
Standing water and humidity can also cause rust and corrosion to the AC unit itself. Rust will lead to mechanical failure and could require a complete air conditioning unit replacement. Higher humidity levels in your home air can also create muggy conditions that cause damage to drywall and furniture.
Also, because a clogged drain forces your HVAC to operate less efficiently, it will lead to expensive utility bills. HVAC systems running at peak performance will help keep energy bills low and ensure a comfortable home.
Humidity issues range from uncomfortable to catastrophic, and ensuring a clear drain line is the easiest way to avoid them. You may have a clog if your cooling system isn’t operating at peak performance. Contact a professional HVAC technician to evaluate your lines. In the case of a blockage, a technician will blow out the line with pressurized air. You should notice performance improvements immediately.
How To Prevent Clogged Air Conditioning Drains
Like most issues with HVAC systems, regular maintenance and preventative repair services are the best way to avoid clogs. Make sure air filters are changed at least once a month, depending on your environmental conditions and home’s humidity levels.
Also, homes with furry pets can experience clogs as pet dander and fur builds up in your HVAC system. In regions with higher humidity, HVAC systems remove more vapor from the air, and clogs are more common. The best way to prevent clogged drains is by scheduling regular maintenance to inspect every component of your HVAC system.
How Often Do Drain Lines Need Inspection?
Most HVAC professionals agree that you should visually inspect your drain line when replacing your AC filter. That said, in high humidity environments, you should schedule seasonal inspections with a licensed professional.
If you’re visually inspecting your drain line, look for pooled water in the drain pan as the first indicator. It’s easier to unclog a line when it’s a small blockage, so it’s essential to identify the problem early on. Clogged drain lines are one of the most common causes of humidity issues and can create extensive damage. AC drain lines are often overlooked by homeowners when evaluating their HVAC systems.
Consider a Whole House Dehumidifier
While air conditioners do have dehumidifying properties, running one all day won’t fix excess humidity present in your home. Keeping the humidity level in your home an even, pleasant level is essential to maintaining a healthy living environment. If your air conditioner doesn’t have unique controls for this, it might be time to explore other methods.
To maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity level, installing a whole-house dehumidifier is one of the best solutions. Some high-quality dehumidifying devices can be easily integrated into your HVAC system. A unit that removes moisture from the air is also an excellent idea to have indoors. These can be used for whole-house coverage and use a similar action to air conditioners, removing moisture from the air with a refrigerant-cooled evaporator coil. In turn, this reduces unpleasant smells and other effects, such as mold growth and musty air.
Does Your Home Have Humidity Control Issues?
If you think you have a clogged drain line contact Island Comfort today for a professional inspection. The high humidity levels and temperatures in Hawaii can cause clogs and damage AC systems and homes. Our team of experienced professionals understands our region’s unique HVAC demands. We’re here to keep that cool air flowing for you and your family!
