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The Right HVAC Unit for Your Home

A couple of months ago, the HVAC unit in my home started malfunctioning. The temperature inside my home soared to over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, even though my air conditioning system ran nonstop. After inspecting my air conditioning unit, my knowledgeable HVAC contractor recommended I purchase a new system. He discussed the pros and cons of installing different sizes of HVAC units with me. After considering my HVAC contractor’s advice, I decided to purchase a three and a half ton HVAC unit. Shortly after my HVAC contractor installed my new air conditioning unit, my house started feeling more comfortable. On this blog, I hope you will discover how an HVAC contractor can help you select the right air conditioning unit for your home. Enjoy!

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The Right HVAC Unit for Your Home

Effective Ways To Troubleshoot An Air Conditioner's Condensate Line Issues

by Jamie Shaw

When your air conditioning unit begins to blow warm air on hot days, you will not have peace of mind. The first thing you'll likely think of is to contact an air conditioning repair technician to examine the AC unit and fix the problems. One of the areas they will check upon arrival is the air conditioner's condensate line. When the drain line is blocked, it will be impossible for the AC system to provide cool air.

How Can You Tell If You Have a Condensate Line Problem?

Since there are several factors that can cause the air conditioner to start blowing warm air, it's vital to determine if the problem is occurring due to a clogged line. The moisture in this line usually tracks dust, debris, and other elements, so the debris can build up over time and stick to the lines. 

Some common signs of this problem include seeing stagnant water in the indoor unit, noticing moldy or musty smells, the AC system failing to turn on, or the house being warm. When the HVAC technician gets to your home, they will look out for these signs and fix the condensate line to restore the efficiency of your cooling system. Here are the basic steps they'll follow.

Draining the Pan

Before the technician starts working, they will turn off the power supply to the AC unit. Then, they'll locate the drain pan and check if it has standing water. Usually, they use a cloth or wet vacuum to absorb the water. 

Failing to remove the water in the pan creates a conducive environment for mold growth. If there's mold growth, health issues may occur since the spores are airborne and can be circulated throughout the house via the AC system. Therefore, getting rid of any water in the pan is crucial.

Unclogging the Line

Once all the water is sucked up, the HVAC contractor will focus on removing all the debris that has been building up in the air conditioner's line and drain opening. They will likely use a wet vacuum to remove the dirt. 

Depending on the severity of the clog, they may need tools like the plumber's snake and hose pipe for dirt removal and rinsing. After removing all the dirt, they may test the line by pouring water and checking if it flows out.

Disinfecting the Line

If there were some signs of mold, the line will require some disinfecting. The technician may pour vinegar to kill all bacteria and avert mold growth. Afterward, they'll assemble the parts and then turn on the air conditioner. If the cause of the warm air was a blocked condensate line, the air conditioner will blow cold air once more.

Contact an AC repair technician for more information. 

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