Archives for June 2018

The A/C condensation drain line, which is usually either a 1/2″ or 3’4″ PVC pipe that extends from the attic to an outside wall near the condenser, enables water and moisture to exit the A/C unit during the refrigeration process. It is typically characterized by a slow drip when the A/C is in use.

However, due to its function, location, and dark, cold environment, it can also become a breeding ground for algae as well as bug and critter nests, which over time can cause blockage in the drain line and an overflow in the drain pan, which can leak and damage drywall in the ceiling.

One telltale sign that your A/C drain line is clogged is that the fan on the outside unit may continue to spin, but you may not be getting much air from your unit. In which case, you can use the following tips on how to unclog ac drain line in attic to see if it helps.

Tools for the Job

• A small funnel for pouring liquids.
• 1/2 of gallon bleach for flushing and disinfecting.
• A shop vacuum for removing clogs.
• A thermometer (optional), for recording A/C temperatures.

Step 1: Turn off the A/C Unit

As a safety precaution, always shut off power to the A/C unit before making adjustments or repairs.

Step 2: Locate the Main Drain Line in the Attic

In the attic, locate the main drain line. It is near the blower motor and usually just below the secondary drain line. Many drain pans have a secondary drain pipe that enables water to exit the system to the outside, usually by way of a second drain pipe located on the upper outer wall, to protect against drain overflow.

Furthermore, since the secondary drain line only kicks in when the main drain is clogged, it’s also another telltale sign that the main drain is clogged when precipitation is exiting from the secondary drain pipe located on the outside wall.

Step 3: Remove the Cap on the Main Drain Line

Remove the removable cap or plug on the main drain pipe. It is usually located at the top of the drain line. Or, it may be located further down the pipeline on a threaded tee.

Step 4: Place a Funnel into the Main Drain Pipe

Next, insert a small funnel into the main drain pipe to prepare it for flushing and cleaning. The funnel will help prevent spillage as the disinfectant is poured down the pipe.

Step 5: Flush the Main Drain Pipe

With the funnel securely positioned into the drain pipe, slowly pour a half gallon of regular household bleach down the drain.

The bleach itself will kill any existing algae, while the odor will help freshen the pipe as well as deter unwanted bugs and critters from making their home in the pipes. This is especially useful during colder seasons when the unit is not in use.

For a chemical-free alternative, you could simply use white vinegar. However, though vinegar is effective at killing algae, it may take longer to remove clogs. Simply pour six ounces of white vinegar slowly down the drain. Repeat every few months to keep the drain clear.

Step 6: Use a Shop Vacuum

Once you have flushed the drain from the attic, next, place a shop vacuum over the outside drain hole to suction out any blockages. Or, you could simply run a fish or wire clothes hanger down the drain to help clear the blockage.

Step 7: Repeat Steps 5 & 6 as Needed

For how to unclog ac drain line in attic involving more stubborn clogs and buildup, you may need to repeat steps 5 & 6 a few times to clear the pipe. Repeat the process until the main drain line is clear and water no longer trickles from the secondary drain line.

Step 8: Turn the A/C Back On

Place the cap back on the main drain line, and then turn the A/C back on. You should notice that the fan inside the outdoor unit is spinning and air is now coming out. You should also notice water exiting the main drain line in a steady drip.

Allow the A/C to run for about 15 minutes on the desired temperature setting. Afterward, if you’d like, simply check for accurate temperature with a thermometer.

To record the temperature output, simply point the thermometer at the supply register closest to the inside A/C unit; it will give you a digital temperature reading. If the temperature is off, it may be time for an A/C tune-up.

Caution Notes

When incorporating these tips on how to unclog ac drain line in attic, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations to avoid damaging your system.

When working with chlorine bleach, it is also a good idea to wear protective clothing. Use a plastic apron, eyewear, rubber gloves, and maybe even a face mask to avoid damaging your clothes, irritating your skin, and breathing in harmful fumes.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your A/C drain line clear is imperative for an efficient working system to help keep your home cool and also avoid damaging your ceiling, which can cave during drain pan overflow and lead to costly repairs. To keep your A/C drain clear, it is recommended that you use these tips on how to unclog ac drain line in attic at least once a year.

If only your social media friends also knew they could keep their A/C running efficiently this summer and their ceiling intact with these tips on how to unclog ac drain line in attic. After trying these tips on how to unclog ac drain line in attic, be sure to inform us of your experience.

If you have noticed that your AC unit doesn’t quite cool your home the way it used to, or it is working harder to cool your home, which can also increase your energy bill, an AC frozen inside could be the problem. An AC frozen inside can be caused by a number of components, which this short tutorial will help you troubleshoot.

Common Issues with an AC Frozen Inside

There are various common issues that can occur due to an AC frozen inside, which include:

A Lack of Airflow

An AC frozen inside can cause a lack of airflow, which can make your unit blow out warm air or struggle to cool your home. When this occurs, it can cause premature wear on your unit as well as increase your energy bill as the unit works harder to perform its function.

The A/C Stops Working

If you notice that after running the A/C unit for some time, it freezes up or stops working altogether, ice buildup could be to blame. An AC frozen inside literally causes ice to form on the unit’s interior parts, which blocks air to the system and in turn can cause it to stop working.

Ice or Frost Buildup on the Unit’s Parts

Low airflow to the A/C unit causes a decrease in temperature inside the system, so when moisture in the air collects on the unit’s components, it can create ice buildup on both the inner and outer parts of the A/C.

Never attempt to remove ice from your system by picking or scraping it off with a sharp object because it could damage the parts and lead to costly repairs. Instead, simply turn off the system and wait for it to thaw, or turn on the blower to allow it to thaw, before troubleshooting it.

Tools You’ll Need for the Job

Nut Drivers and Sockets

When troubleshooting your system, you will need to access the system’s inner parts. Therefore, you will need a set of nut drivers and sockets to remove the panels to inspect the parts.

A Soft Brush

A soft brush, such as a toothbrush, can be used to remove debris from a dirty air filter, which can hinder proper airflow to the system and cause it to freeze up. It can also be used to gently remove debris from the evaporator coils, which can also cause the A/C to freeze up.

A/C Frozen Inside Troubleshooting

There are two main causes of an AC frozen inside, which include low refrigerant and restricted airflow to the evaporator coils.

Turn off the A/C

First, turn off the AC, and turn the fan setting on to allow the system to thaw. Place dry towels around the unit to prevent water damage.

Open the Access Panel to the Evaporator

Remove the access panel to the evaporator. Inspect the coils and the cooling fins surrounding the evaporator. If they have debris on them, gently brush it off using a soft brush.

Check the Air Filters

Check the filters in the cold air return inside your home or in the AC’s plenum to see if they are dirty, which can restrict airflow to the system. If they are dirty, simply clean them gently with a soft plastic brush or replace them if they are beyond cleaning.

Check for Refrigerant Leaks

To effectively cool your home, the AC needs the right amount of refrigerant. However, over time, wear and tear on your system can lead to refrigerant leaks, which can cause the temperature of the coils to decrease and eventually cause ice buildup.

Therefore, inspect in and around the system for visual signs of refrigerant leaks, sometimes they can also cause a soft hissing sound. If you find any leaks, simply contact a professional HVAC technician to repair the leaks and then recharge your system.

Turn the A/C Back On

Be sure the A/C supply registers in each room are open. Blocked registers restrict airflow, which causes the temperature inside the unit to decrease.

Turn the A/C back on and allow it to run until it reaches the thermostat setting. If the air still feels warm, the unit still struggles to cool your home, it continues to shut off, or you still notice ice build up on the unit, contact a professional HVAC technician for repairs.

Other Issues that can be Causing an AC Frozen Inside

• The Wrong Size Ducts – Sometimes the wrong size or number of ducts can cause restricted airflow, which can also cause your system to freeze up.
• The Wrong Size Condenser – The condenser size, or BTU’s, is determined by several factors regarding your building, including the size of the building, how hot the building is, the amount of insulation is inside the walls, and the type of windows. Therefore, if you have the wrong sized condenser for your needs, it can cause the system to freeze up.
• A Bad Blower Motor – Consistent use and high heat can cause the blower motor on the A/C to burn out, which can cause your unit to freeze up.

Caution Notes

Working with refrigerant, which can be a gas or a liquid, requires a licensed professional, so when dealing with refrigerant leaks and repairs, be sure to contact a licensed professional for help.

Final Thoughts

To prevent premature wear and tear on your A/C, which can cause it to clonk out before its time, and to help keep your energy bills low, don’t put off AC frozen inside repairs. Instead, use this short guide on what to do about AC frozen inside to troubleshoot the issue, and then make the repairs that you can yourself to help save time and money.

If you like saving time and money on troubleshooting your A/C issues, wouldn’t it be great to share the excitement with your Facebook or other friends? And be sure to share your experience with these troubleshooting tips with us too!

There is nothing more annoying than your air conditioner failing to work in the middle of a heat spell. In such circumstances, you may have to wait for days before an HVAC technician can repair your unit. In most cases, air conditioners repairs should be handled by HVAC technicians, but there are simple repairs you can do yourself with a little air conditioner troubleshooting. This guide will explore some of the most prevalent problems and how to fix them.

Tools for the Job

Apart from parts that you may need to buy depending on the nature of repair required, you also need to have working tools. Here are most of the tools that you need to complete your DIY project.

• Cordless drill or driver.
• Nut driver.
• Adjustable wrench.
• Voltage tester.
• At least 2 insulated screwdrivers.
• Pliers- Needle-nose.
• Socket set.
• Multimeter.

You may also require some materials before you initiate air conditioner troubleshooting. This will eliminate unnecessary last-minute trips to stores. Here is the list of the main materials:

• Fuses.
• Capacitor.
• Contractor.
• Compressed air.
• Condenser fan motor.

Air Conditioning Problems

Your AC Unit Won’t Turn On

If your air conditioning system fails to start, there could be a range of potential causes that you need to check out. First, check if the condenser is running, then confirm if the thermostat is set properly and make sure the AC is plugged in. One of the challenges could be the setting on the thermostat. You can start air conditioner troubleshooting by lowering the thermostat to 5 – 10 degrees and observe if the unit will work.

Another potential problem could be the fuse. Check if the fuse is blown. If not, then check if tripped circuit breaker or loose wiring is the problem. To test the fuse, you need to set your multimeter to a lower Ohms scale then place the black and red leads on the opposite ends of the fuse. Zero, infinity symbol, or minus reading indicates a blown fuse. A blown fuse could also be a sign of failure in the condensing unit.

You may also need to inspect internal part of the access panel. The best way is to follow the electrical conduit to find the access panel. After putting the power off, you need to check if the electrical wires and connectors are intact. If there is any chewed insulation, fix them if you are comfortable with electrical repairs, otherwise, engage a professional. Besides this, you may need to replace the capacitor and contactor. These items can degrade with time.

If you replace the fuse and it blows up again, or if the unit won’t turn on after you have done the above replacements, or if the coil is frozen, the problem could be the compressor or motor. At this point, it is best to contact your HVAC professional to fix the problem.

Your AC Unit Is not Cooling Air or Isn’t Working Optimally

Even if the thermostat settings are correct, your AC system may still fail to work. A potential problem could be the system has a blocked air condenser, or it is dirty. The first step is to make sure all the register are wide open and the furnace filter is clean. You can then clean the unit from outside to remove any weeds or debris that may be blocking the free flow of air.

You also need to check the filter. Oftentimes, the filter may accumulate a lot of dirt, which may prevent the flow of air to the evaporator coil. So, as you carry out your air conditioner troubleshooting, you can test if your filter is working by seeing through it.

You should change your filters at least once a month if you are constantly using your AC unit or if you have pets. If the filter is working, and your AC still fails to work, then the problem could be linked to the refrigerant or compressor.

Leaking Refrigerant

One of the problems that you will deal with in your air conditioner troubleshooting is refrigerant leaks. If your AC unit is low on refrigerant then there are two potential dangers. The unit might be undercharged at installation or the refrigerant is leaking. The refrigerant is the fluid mixture that keeps everything cold.

To fix refrigerant leaks, you will need a trained technician. These leaks can be harmful to the environment. According to Energy Saver, your air conditioner functions optimally when the refrigerant is charged according to manufacturer’s specifications.

Leaking Ducts

Another potential culprit that may prevent your AC unit from working is leaking or dirty ducts. If you are getting warmer air than you expect, then there could be a problem with ducts. Generally, the central air conditioning system is well sealed, however, the ductworks that run through the ceilings and walls could develop leaks due to poor workmanship or rodents. If there are leaks in the ducts, the cool air will escape before reaching your room. Part of the air conditioner troubleshooting could also involve checking the window seals around the AC system to ensure hot air is not getting in.

Besides checking for leaks, you should also need to regularly clean your AC unit, for instance, replacing filters on a monthly basis, cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils, and clearing the drain lines at least two times a year.

Caution Notes

Before you start fixing anything on your air condition system, ensure you have turned off the power. Turn off the power at the breaker box inside then do the same to the exterior shut-off box close to the exterior condenser. If you are not sure about a specific situation, especially the ones that touch on the electrical and the core of the system, please involve a professional.

Wrapping Up

If there’s one thing that you need to remember from this discussion on air conditioner troubleshooting is to have a routine maintenance plan. Even if the above troubleshooting doesn’t work, at least you already covered most common problems. So, your HVAC professional can focus only on the elusive challenges. Moreover, when you fit new parts on your AC unit, you are extending their lifespan as well as reducing chances of breaking down. If you have successfully completed DIY AC repair recently, we will be happy to hear about your experience in the comment section below.