A condensate pump is a common part of many residential air conditioning systems. It will remove condensation from around the evaporator coil. As warm and moist air passes over the evaporator coil, condensation will form. Water molecules will condense on the evaporator coil. The condensate pump will help to remove this water so that it doesn’t cause mold or other forms of damage to the surrounding area.

If you have a mini-split system, though, you might be wondering whether it needs a condensate pump. Mini-split systems are simpler than central air conditioning systems. They still have an evaporator coil and condenser coil, but they don’t have any ductwork.

What Is a Condensate Pump?

A condensate pump is a device that’s designed to pump and move water from one place to another place. Also known as an air conditioning drain pump, it forces water in the condensate pan to drain.

The condensate pan is a metal pan below the evaporator coil. Water will drip down into it from the evaporator coil. The condensate pan contains a drain line that runs to the outside. The condensate pump is designed to force the freestanding water in the condensate pan into the drain line so that it exits the home.

Some Mini-Split AC Systems Require a Condensate Pump

Lile with central air conditioning systems, some mini-split air systems require a condensate pump. Whether a mini-split air conditioning system needs a condensate pump depends on the design of its condensate pan and drain line.

A condensate pump is only required if water doesn’t drain from the condensate pan naturally. Mini-split systems still feature an evaporator coil, and they still have a condensate pan underneath the evaporator coil. The only difference is that central air conditioning systems have ductwork, whereas mini-split systems do not.

Depending on where the mini-split system’s condensate pan is installed, water may or may not drain from it naturally. If the condensate pan is installed in the attic, gravity may cause it to drain naturally. As long as the drain line runs down, water won’t accumulate inside of the condensate pan; it will drain naturally thanks to gravity.

Gravity, of course, can only pull water downward. If a mini-split system’s condensate pan is installed on a lower level floor and the drain line exits the home on an upper floor, it may require a condensate pump.

Even if it’s not required, a condensate pump is always a smart investment. It will ensure that water drains out of the condensate pan. Whether you have a central air conditioning system or a mini-split system, you should consider using a condensate pump.