Depending on where your AC system is located, it may require a condensate drain pump.
All AC systems produce moisture in the form of condensation. Coolant will flow through your AC system’s evaporator coil where it’s exposed to warm air, thereby allowing the coolant to absorb heat from inside of your home. As it absorbs heat, condensation will develop on the evaporator coil. The condensate drain pump is designed to remove it.
What Is the Condensate Drain Pump?
The condensate drain pump is a motorized device that’s designed to force the moisture produced by an AC system through a drain line. It’s typically installed within the condensate pan.
The condensate pan is a flat sheet of metal with raised edges that collects condensation. Condensation will drip down from the evaporator coil into the condensate pan.
From there, the condensate drain pump will force the moisture through a connected drain line. The drain line will run to the home’s exterior, thus removing the moisture.
How the Condensate Drain Pump Works
While there are different types of condensate drain pumps, most of them are powered by an electric motor. They run on 120 volts of electricity. Using an electric motor, they’ll pump moisture from the condensate drain pan to the condensate drain line.
Most condensate drain pumps have a float switch as well. The float switch is a sensing device that determines when the condensate drain pump runs. It’s designed to sense the level of moisture in the condensate pan. As the moisture level increases, the float switch will detect it – and it will respond by turning on the condensate drain pump.
Here’s a video that shows how a Condensate Drain Pump works.
Why the Condensate Drain Pump Is Important
Without a condensate drain pump, moisture may fail to properly drain from the condensate pan. Some AC systems are installed in basements or crawlspaces. With the evaporator coil being lower than the ground level, a condensate drain pump is required.
Some AC systems use gravity to remove moisture from the condensate pan. They still have a condensate line, but they don’t have a condensate drain pump. The condensate line simply runs downwards before exiting the home.
If your AC system doesn’t rely on gravity to remove moisture from the condensate pan, it will typically need a condensate drain pump. Otherwise, moisture will continue to accumulate inside the condensate pan. It will drip down from the evaporator coil, but without a pump, moisture will spill over the top of the pan.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
