Does your air conditioning system have a clogged condensate drain? Consisting primarily of a pan and pipe, the condensate drain is designed to flush the condensation produced by an air conditioning system. Condensation will form on your air conditioning system’s evaporator coil. As the water droplets continue to grow, they will eventually fall off the evaporator coil and into the pan below.

At the bottom of this pan is a pipe – typically a piece of PVC pipe – that runs to your home’s exterior. Condensation will drip into the pan, at which point it will be flushed to your home’s exterior. A clogged condensate drain, however, will prevent this from happening. Condensation will pool up inside of the pan, which can cause several problems.

Water Damage

Turning a blind eye to a clogged condensate drain may result in water damage to your home. Condensation is water. It’s essentially water vapor that condenses on a surface, such as an evaporator coil. With a clogged condensate drain, there won’t be anywhere for the water to go. It may spill over the top of the pan and into the surrounding room or space.

High Humidity

The air in your home will become more humid if the condensate drain is clogged. Air conditioning systems both dehumidify and cool indoor spaces. When running your air conditioning system, the air in your home will become less humid.

Your air conditioning system will remove moisture vapor from the air by forcing it to condense on the evaporator coil. If the condensate drain is clogged, it won’t be able to perform this dehumidification process. The end result is a higher indoor humidity level.

Mold Growth

Because of its impact on humidity, a clogged condensate drain will encourage mold growth. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that homes should have a relative humidity level of 30% to 50% to protect against mold. A clogged condensate drain is a common cause of high humidity. It can push your home’s humidity level above 50% while creating breeding grounds for mold and mildew.

Poor Cooling Performance

A clogged condensate drain can have a negative impact on your air conditioning system’s cooling performance. Air conditioning systems work harder in humid environments than dry or low-humid environments. It may still lower your home’s indoor temperature, but you may have to run your air conditioning system for a longer period to achieve the desired temperature.