Your air conditioning system reduces humidity in your home partly by drawing moisture out of indoor air, collecting it in a drain pan and then sending it down a drain line and out of the unit. Unfortunately, the drain line can become clogged due to anything from dirt and dust to mould and mildew. Your air conditioning system won't run properly when that happens, and the strain placed on other parts can increase the risk of needing further repairs.
As such, it pays to contact an HVAC professional as soon as possible, so here are just four signs your air conditioner's drain line is clogged.
1. Standing Water
One of the clearest signs of a clogged drain line is also one of the hardest to ignore. If the drain line is clogged, you may notice standing water starting to pool around your air conditioning unit. This occurs because the drain pan isn't able to empty. Water is most likely to collect near the air conditioner's condenser unit, which is the outside part of your system, but it can also start to collect near indoor units.
2. Musty Smells
Aside from the damage it can do to your air conditioning system, one of the main problems associated with clogged drain lines is the growth of mould and mildew. Since mould and mildew are both bad for your health, you really don't want them in any part of your air conditioning system. Luckily enough, mould and mildew are usually easy enough to detect. If you notice an unpleasant or musty smell from around your system's drain or vents, this is probably the root cause.
3. Water Damage
Standing water is one sign that your system's drain line is clogged, but water escaping from your air conditioning unit doesn't always have a chance to pool. Even a small amount of water can create visible signs of damage, such as slightly wet walls or warped flooring. If you notice even a slight dampening of the walls around your air conditioning unit, it's well worth checking for a clogged drain line to identify the problem since such water damage can quickly become serious.
4. Air Conditioning Doesn't Turn On
Most modern air conditioning units feature sensors that can tell when the drain pan isn't draining and automatically shut off the system. This prevents water from leaking out, but it also means your system will no longer be cooling your home. This can be frustrating, but it's important to recognize that an air conditioning unit that won't stay on is a sign it requires assistance, so you should call an air conditioning repair professional to check the drain line and other parts.
