6 Tips for Summertime to Reduce AC Repair

Katy AC Repair

Katy AC Repair Tips to Reduce HVAC Repair Costs

As the summer heat intensifies, south Texans depend on air conditioning for every aspect of life: transportation, work, and being at home. We tend to choose when and how long we expose ourselves to the heat and humidity of the great outdoors.

For this reason, it is important to care for the entire home to enhance the safety, health, and comfort air conditioning brings. The following Katy AC repair steps can help cool a home with better results and efficiency.

Katy AC Repair Tip 1: Acknowledge Solar Power

Many homes are built to accentuate natural lighting, brightening certain spaces for aesthetic purposes. However, this natural lighting can increase solar gain and make a home warmer than desired; the light energy entering a home can increase the indoor temperature by as much as 10 degrees on very sunny days.

Blocking the light on the south side of the house from about 9 to 5 can keep a home cooler and require fewer cooling cycles per hour. Early morning and late afternoon light is less intense and should be more enjoyable.

Katy AC Repair Tip 2: Understand Radiant Heat

Heat also travels through solid objects; when the exterior of the home becomes hot, the heat travels through the building material and enters the home. The purpose of insulation is to create a barrier to radiant heat.

A poorly insulated home allows more heat to pass through walls and ceilings than is comfortable. After construction, usually, the only accessible space for insulation is the attic, so make sure your attic is adequately insulated.

Katy AC Repair Tip 3: Recognize the Benefits of Maintenance

Air conditioning systems are quite remarkable. They cool a home, remove humidity, clean the air, and keep the moving air fresh. The whole house can be cooled to a precise temperature setting and maintained day and night, as desired. However, this precise mechanical system must be properly maintained to ensure it functions properly and efficiently.

Without regular maintenance, performance suffers, cooling costs soar, and the components (or the whole system) reach a premature end of useful life. Manufacturers and HVAC technicians recommend scheduling annual preventative maintenance and quarterly air filter replacements.

Katy AC Repair Tip 4: Schedule Temperature Changes

Many thermostats are programmable, but few homeowners take the time to program temperature changes to their advantage. Is the house empty for extended periods? Do family sleep patterns coincide?

These are two lengthy periods in which the temperature setting could be raised by 5 to 8 degrees without affecting comfort. It would, however, affect energy efficiency and cost to the benefit of the family budget. Take a few minutes and read the instruction manual for the thermostat.

Katy AC Repair Tip 5: Inspect the Vents

Vents are strategically placed throughout the home to ensure the indoor air is thoroughly mixed; supply vents are placed low, and return air vents are placed high. During normal household activities, vents can be covered or blocked by drapes, clothing, or furniture. Take time to notice vents regularly to ensure they remain clear for adequate air movement.

Katy AC Repair Tip 6: Use Ceiling Fans Effectively

Ceiling fans generally assist the air conditioning system, helping to mix the air for improved cleaning and cooling. Static air can develop thermal layers, with warm air high and cool air low. A ceiling fan set to turn counterclockwise will pull the air up and push air out to the sides of the space, mixing the air and moving it toward return air vents.

Call the Katy AC Repair Experts

Routine maintenance and preventative tips like we have outlined can help you reduce Katy AC repair costs this summer. Schedule your Katy AC repair consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified Katy AC repair technicians put their experience to work for you.

 

 

HVAC System Hurricane Preparedness

HVAC System Hurricane Preparedness

HVAC System Hurricane Preparedness

The NOAA Atlantic Hurricane Season outlook predicted between 14 and 21 named storms for this season, 6 to 11 storms developing into hurricanes, and 2 to 5 storms developing into major hurricanes. The 2023 season is living up to the prediction, with 15 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and three major hurricanes so far. Fortunately, the only major storm hurricane to make landfall was Lee. However, there are still two months left in this year’s season.

If you have lived in a hurricane-prone area for many years, you are aware of preparedness plans for various aspects of life. This is a hurricane preparedness plan for HVAC systems in the area.

Pre-season HVAC System Hurricane Preparedness

There are some general and specific preparation steps that you can take any time before the storm arrives, but they should not be attempted during the storm.

  • Trees and tree limbs may endanger a home and the immediate surroundings when hurricane-strength winds arrive. Remove trees and limbs that can damage the structure of the house and remember to protect the outdoor air conditioner condenser unit.
  • Find hurricane straps for the condenser unit, to secure it to the pad beneath it. Strong winds can pick the unit up and make it a dangerous airborne projectile. Consider buying a canvas condenser cover or making one from plywood.
  • Determine in advance whether to invest in a whole-house or portable emergency generator. Such plans take time to install a transfer switch, permanently install the generator, and plan for fuel storage.

Pay Attention

Hurricanes do not sneak up on people on the coast—storms are tracked across the Atlantic and a rather specific landfall is predicted several days ahead in advance. This gives residents several days to make minute plans before the storm arrives.

  • A part of that plan includes determining if and when your family will evacuate for severe hurricanes since evacuation is ill-advised during the storm.
  • Storing food, water, medicine, and emergency supplies is an essential part of preparedness.

Two Days Prior

  • Begin to cool the house down about 2 days before the storm arrives. The air conditioner should be shut off during the storm to avoid damage from power surges, so lower the thermostat by 5 to 10 degrees for comfort during the storm. This will cool the interior and furnishings in addition to the air.
  • If your preparedness plans include covering windows, now is the time to complete this task.

Hours Before

  • A severe storm will include a storm surge to the coastline, sustained winds of more than 100 mph, and torrential rainfall. The danger from lightning-induced power surges is very high, so flip the breaker at the service panel to shut the HVAC system off. If your home is supplied with natural gas, close the gas valve as well in case of structural damage.
  • If you prepared a condenser unit cover, now is the time to install and secure it. Do not run the air conditioner with the condenser covered, as this will lead to catastrophic system failure.
  • Go inside and stay inside until the winds subside. Stay tuned to local news/weather stations as long as possible.

When Calm Returns

After the storm itself, it will make some careful observations of the immediate surroundings. The power may be out for a while, which is why your plan included cooling the house before the storm.

  • Look for downed power lines and structural damage to the home. Remember, the ground will be saturated, so give downed wires a wide berth.
  • Remove the cover and inspect the condenser unit for damage. The materials that compose the condenser walls are thin and fragile. Look for an oily substance and listen for the hiss of escaping gas.

When the power grid is restored and you believe the HVAC system is intact, flip the circuit breaker to restore power to the HVAC system. Lower the temperature of the thermostat settings by a few degrees and determine whether the system is functioning properly.

Have questions about HVAC System Hurricane Preparedness, We Can Help!

Schedule your HVAC System Hurricane Preparedness consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified HVAC Maintenance and HVAC repair technicians put their experience to work for you.

HVAC Repair: Avoiding Hot and Cold Spots in Your Home

HVAC Repair

HVAC Repair: Avoiding Hot and Cold Spots in Your Home

If your home has a room or space that is abnormally cold in the winter, it is becoming very evident at this time of the year. Since you are a responsible homeowner, you have probably checked all the obvious issues that can be fixed with a do-it-yourself project, such as changing air filters and uncovering supply vents. However, if the problem persists, consider having an HVAC technician check the air balance in your home.

Heating, cooling, and ventilation all require adequate and equal airflow to reach every space. The system as designed and installed should provide “enough” air, but problems can develop that disrupt the proper movement of air. Air balancing measures the equilibrium and finds solutions should a pressure deficit be detected. A technician will bring the proper tools, training, and expertise to evaluate the airflow and recommend viable solutions. Here are the highlights of the air balancing process.

Reverse Engineering HVAC Repair

The technician will use the model and serial numbers to gather the specifications for your current HVAC system. Both heating and cooling capacities can be determined. Some blower motors have variable speeds and the rating for each blower setting will become useful information. The design capacities can be compared to the measured results to ensure your HVAC system is functioning efficiently.

When your system was designed and installed, a technician ran a load calculation to determine the proper size of your system. Recalculating your home’s heating and cooling need is also useful information. If you have made changes, remodeled, or enlarged your living space, even slight space modifications can change the load requirements. Rechecking the load calculation will uncover such problems and make recommendations to compensate.

HVAC Repair: Performance Evaluations

The second stage of the air-balancing task includes measuring airflow from each supply register and cold air return. Access is required to all your home’s spaces. The technician will bring equipment that will measure:

  • The air volume as it moves through the vent
  • Both the airspeed and temperature at the register
  • The air humidity from the supply air

The desired result is an equal measurement of these air qualities in each room. If you are experiencing comfort problems, the location of the problem vent(s) can be determined by these measurements. The measurements will also give clues to the technician to pinpoint the issue or further the investigation.

HVAC Repair Frequent Findings

The goal of the air balance study is to find problem supply registers that create an airflow imbalance.

  • If they exist, air balancing will uncover design flaws in your ductwork. Ducts might have been sized too small, have runs that are too long, or have unusually sharp turns. While completely redesigning your HVAC ductwork might not be possible, correcting the most pressing problems might be a possible solution.
  • Frequently, ductwork along the way has been damaged. Slight vibrations can create gaps or loosen sheet metal joints. The blower motor puts the duct under pressure; like water in a leaky pipe, air will find a way to escape. Finding and repairing even a small leak can significantly impact the airflow in your problem area.
  • When the blower motor has cycled off, the gap(s) allow air and pests to infiltrate the ductwork and enter your home. Finding these gaps have several benefits.
  • While not a frequent issue, on occasion a duct blockage will found.

The desired result of an air balance investigation is to discover problems with airflow that creates hot or cold spots. An equal amount of conditioned air is necessary for each room to maintain comfort. Discovering problems and designing solutions will reduce or remove the imbalance creating the hot and cold spots.

Let us help with your HVAC Repair questions!

Schedule your free HVAC Repair consultation by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

HVAC Repair

5 Signs You Need to Make an AC Repair Appointment Today

Warning Signs You Need AC Repair 

Warning Signs You Need AC Repair

Well . . . your older air conditioner made it through another summer. It ran well, but you are a little concerned; it has been around for a while and last summer it required a minor AC Repair. The fall is a good time to replace it but is considering taking a chance for one more year. What should you know before making that decision? Here are a few things to consider:

  1. Old Age. It really is a key consideration. Keeping it clean and well-maintained will prolong its usefulness, but eventually, large components will fail. Efficiency will drop. Economically, it will make sense to replace your air conditioner. The age range for AC components is between 15 to 20, more if maintained. Research the installation year and it can help you determine the urgency of replacement.
  2. Duplicate Repairs. Another key consideration is needing to replace the same part or similar part multiple times. When electrical control switches, sensors, and capacitors weaken and fail, this puts stress on larger motors. The stress will accumulate and lead to failure in these larger parts.
  3. Efficiency Loss. You might notice this when the AC takes longer to cool your home than normal or struggles to cool during heat waves. Or the system might blow hot air. You might also notice a loss of efficiency when you open your utility bill each month—more than the rise attributed to inflation.

Before you assume the worse, have your AC unit checked; this might indicate the loss of coolant gas. Sealing the coolant line and recharging the system is an easy fix.

  1. Efficiency Loss. Another indication of efficiency loss is higher humidity in your home. Surfaces might feel sticky, or the air may feel heavy and wet. High humidity might promote the growth of mold or mildew, so the air may smell musty. The coolant gas is also responsible for removing humidity, so let a technician check your system. Again, this is an easy fix.

If the coolant pressure is fine with a marked loss of efficiency, it may indicate deeper problems for AC Repair.

  1. Unusual Noise. The noise your AC makes should be minimal; you may hear the blower motor and the whoosh of air near the vents. Screeching, squealing, or rattling noises are not normal. When the normally slight noise becomes loud or unusual, this needs to be addressed. Noise can come from moving parts, such as the blower motor, or it can come from the stress on stationary parts.

If your aging air conditioner is experiencing a combination of these indicators, it is sending early warning signs of failure or AC Repair. By listening to your system, you will be able to plan accordingly. The early warning gives you time to shop around to find a brand and contractor. It gives you time to schedule the installation.

Most of all, you avoid replacing your air conditioner under the duress of an emergency; that emergency will most likely happen during the hottest part of the summer or the coolest part of the winter when your aging system is under significant stress.

Have questions about AC Repairs? We can help!

Schedule your free AC Repair consultation by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

6 Most Common Residential AC Repair Issues

6 Most Common Residential AC Repair Issues

Residential AC Repair

Walking out of the summer heat into an air-conditioned space is a special feeling; it might elicit a deep sigh while crossing the threshold. When you step into that same space, expecting comfort and being disappointed will elicit a groan. A little bit of panic might grip you if your AC fails at home.

Instead of panic, let us suggest a few action steps to help you diagnose the problem and assist the repair technician upon arrival.

  • Step one, check the thermostat. The wall-mounted switch calls for cooling when the temperature climbs above a preferred setting. If the thermostat screen is blank, a battery might be the fix you need. Someone might have bumped the thermostat up a few degrees for personal comfort. Start with the thermostat.
  • Step two, check the circuit breaker. The air conditioner is one of only a few appliances that are hard-wired directly from the service panel. Flipping a circuit breaker might restore the cool air, but it might also be an indicator of a larger problem.
  • Step three, check the air filter. A clogged air filter can reduce enough airflow through the evaporator chamber to decrease cooling.

An HVAC Residential AC Repair professional will investigate the entire system to determine the problem(s) that is keeping your home warmer than desired. Common Residential AC Repair problems they might find include:

  1. Check the thermostat and power connections, verifying your findings.
  2. Check the air filter and general maintenance of the system.
  3. Low or no refrigerant. The tech will check the gas pressure. Refrigerant gas operates under high pressure and gas under pressure will find weaknesses and flows to try to escape. Low gas reduces the cooling capacity of the system. That could be the problem.
  4. Ice build-up on the evaporator coil. The evaporator removes humidity from the air while cooling the air destined for your home. Several problems can lead to moisture freezing on the coil instead of dripping down to the drain pan.
  5. Component failure. The condenser, compressor, and blower motor are the major air conditioner components that will be carefully inspected.
  6. Electrical controls and sensors. Your AC system uses very complex switches, capacitors, and temperature sensors.

The professional team of Residential AC Repair technicians at AllCool has vocational training, on-the-job training, and years of experience in inspecting and repairing air conditioners of various makes. It is unlikely that you will face a problem that our team has not corrected several times. We are committed to restoring comfort to your home and family.

Have Indoor Air Quality Issues?

Schedule your Residential AC Repair assessment by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

6 Most Common Residential AC Repair Issues

Air Conditioning Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Air Conditioning Hurricane Preparedness

Air Conditioning Hurricane Preparedness – Start Your Preparation Now!

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is set to predict the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane season in a few days.1 Early indication is that it will be active and storm intensity seems to have increased over the past decades. Residents in coastal communities should take measures to prepare homes and lives for a hurricane event this year. As part of these measures, make sure you follow our Air Conditioning Hurricane Preparedness Tips!

Measures to Take Before a Storm

While NOAA makes predictions for the 6-month hurricane season, The National Hurricane Center actually tracks storms as they develop over the south Atlantic. When a significant storm approaches land, they issue a warning 36 hours in advance to let residents make final Air Conditioning Hurricane Preparedness steps for the storm. However, some preparations should be made well in advance of a hurricane.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

Both your HVAC manufacturer and HVAC professionals recommend annual maintenance to help your system perform efficiently over many years. Preventative maintenance includes cleaning dust buildup in hard-to-reach places, inspection, and testing key electrical components, and paying close attention to the refrigerant gas needed for proper function.

If your system is poorly maintained before a hurricane puts great stress on the air conditioner, it can sustain greater damage from the storm.

Air Conditioning Hurricane Preparedness: Protect your Outdoor AC Unit

  • If your outdoor condenser unit is in a low-lying area, consider elevating it to avoid water damage. It should be set on a concrete slab as a firm foundation.
  • Tie-Downs. Make sure your condenser unit is securely fastened to the concrete slab with hurricane tie-downs. While it may appear large, it is constructed of lightweight material and can be moved by violent winds.
  • Check with the manufacturer for a hurricane weather-proof covering for the AC condenser unit. Local home improvement stores may also carry them. A covering, installed after the AC has been powered off, can prevent water damage from heavy rain. Be sure to remove the cover before restoring power to the air conditioner.

Purchase Emergency Supplies in Advance

State and local governments provide emergency preparedness plans that encourage you to purchase food, water, flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, etc. You are encouraged to make these purchases in advance of a hurricane warning to make sure supplies are available.

Measures During the 36-Hour Warning

Anticipate that hurricane-force winds (+74 mph) will damage the power grid and cause a power outage. In the process, power will blink on and off several times; each time that happens, it creates a power surge. Since even small power surges can damage computers, we plug sensitive equipment into power strips with surge protectors.

  • Your HVAC system may have a power surge protector installed inline to protect the system.
  • Whether your system has a power surge protector or not, turn off your HVAC system during a hurricane to protect it from potential damage.
    • Turn your thermostat to the Off position
    • Flip the breaker at your electrical service panel for both AC and furnace

Cool Down

Knowing that you will turn the AC off for an extended period, use the 36-hour time period to cool your house down. Lower the temperature a few degrees, anticipating the warm and humid air outside will quickly move indoors. Close blinds and curtains, even if your windows are covered. Continue to use ceiling and floor fans for as long you have power.

Measures to Take After a Storm

After the storm has passed and power has been restored, carefully follow the needed steps.

  • Remove any cover you might have placed on the outdoors AC unit
  • Check your power surge protector for the HVAC system. If it has tripped, reset it.
  • Flip the breaker for your system at the electric service panel and wait a few minutes.
  • Turn the thermostat to the COOL setting and set the temperature to the normal setting.

If your power is not restored, you will need to call an electrician. If your power is restored but the AC does not come on or does not cool properly, give All Cool a call.

Have Questions About Air Conditioning Hurricane Preparedness?

June begins the start of hurricane season on the Texas Gulf Coast. Let us help you with your Air Conditioning Hurricane Preparedness this season by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

Air Conditioning Hurricane Preparedness

1 https://www.noaa.gov/media-advisory/noaa-to-announce-2022-atlantic-hurricane-season-outlook

8 Affordable Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips

8 Affordable Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips

Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips to Reduce Utility Bills

According to the Department of Energy, conditioning the air in your home, both heating and cooling takes the largest single percentage of your energy bill—between 48 and 52% of the total bill. With the long cooling months right around the corner, here are 8 no-cost methods of reducing your AC costs.

  1. Clean around the AC condenser unit outside. Since the fan is pulling air through the aluminum fins, it is suctioning leaves, grass clippings, and debris between the fins. Use a hose and clean the fins thoroughly to keep the unit from overheating.
  2. Vacuum clean the indoor vents and move anything that might cover the vents. Open vents allow the free flow of that “oh so nice” air right where you need it. Covered vents restrict airflow and create hot spots.
  3. Program your thermostat if possible. It might take a little time for you to program, but it can make a big difference. Here’s how:
    1. Department of Energy estimates a 1% savings per degree for an 8-hour span. If you turn the AC temp UP 5 degrees for eight hours, you will save 5% of the cooling cost for the day.
    2. If you program your thermostat to increase the temperature in your home while it is vacant during work hours, you can achieve these cost savings without feeling it at all. Schedule the AC to cool it off on your drive home. (The same savings holds true during heating months as well.)
  4. Keep lamps, TVs, and other heat-producing appliances 3’ away from your thermostat. The heat of the device will give the thermostat a false reading, keeping the AC unit on longer.
  5. Close your blinds and curtains during the heat of each summer day. The summer sun warms the house and drives the AC cost way up. When you arrive home from work, open the curtains and enjoy the less harsh evening rays.
  6. Clear the drain lines coming from the evaporator coil and pan. This is on the inside, at the AC/furnace unit, a hose or PVC line running to a drain. Pour a cup of bleach in the line and chase it with a gallon of water to remove debris and organic matter. This avoids the water overflowing from the pan and leaking from the unit.
  7. Avoid using heating-producing appliances, such as the dryer, oven, and dishwasher during the heat of the day. Wait until the evening hours, when the AC unit has less of a load and can handle the rise in temperature.
  8. If your home has uninsulated ductwork in unconditioned spaces, such as attics or crawlspaces, insulating the ducts will be a very low-cost/very effective cost-saving measure.

Money-saving tips don’t always require spending a lot of money when it comes to your HVAC system.

Want more information about Air Conditioning Efficiency? We Can Help!

If you are considering to better your Air Conditioning Efficiency, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

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8 Affordable Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips

All Cool A/C’s Vice President Honored as Top Forty Under 40!

Residential Air Conditioning and Heating Specialist

Cody Bellamy, Vice President

Cody Bellamy’s career HVAC goals can be summed up into three items: happy employees, superior customer service, and community outreach. The vice president of All Cool A/C & Heating takes those items very seriously. “I am a firm believer that happy employees are productive employees, which is why I strive to create and maintain a culture in our company that makes our employees excited to come to work each day,” Bellamy said.

“I also want to change the negative preconceived stigma customers have with HVAC contractors by providing exceptional customer service. This means timely service by well-trained technicians at an affordable price as well as being sympathetic to their needs and providing honest evaluations of a customer’s options to see what makes the most sense for them and their family.”

“It is also very important to me to give back to the community, not only monetarily but also with our time as a company,” he continued.

Click to Download the Full Article

Bellamy received his Texas Class A State contractor’s license on his very first attempt at the young age of As the company’s vice president, he oversees sales, accounting, customer service, equipment purchasing, software implementation, and advertising. He has helped grow the company from five employees to 17 while doubling the annual revenue.

“As a father of three, I hope to inspire my children with my hard work, honesty, and dedication to my craft, just as my father did for me,” he said.

Energy Efficient HVAC Tips for Summer

Summer Energy Efficient HVAC Tips

Summer Energy Efficient HVAC Tips

Being cool is the number one priority for most of us during the intense summer heat. HVAC systems work overtime to remove the heat and make our homes comfortable and safe.

Cool summertime temperatures come with a cost. Homeowners see spikes in utility bills and must question their choices and consider energy-efficient alternatives. Here are some solutions to reduce your energy consumption during the summer.

Important Facts About Energy Efficient HVAC

Do you know what percentage of your utility bills come from your HVAC system? Let us take a quick look at some facts to help you better understand your HVAC system efficiency.

In the Texas Gulf Coast, over 95% of homes use some type of cooling system. In the U.S., 12% of the total energy consumption is from air conditioning systems. In Southeast Texas, that number is over 30%. Reducing the amount you use your air conditioning system is the easiest way to reduce your energy usage, but the cost is not worth it. Yes, your bill is lower, but often your comfort level is also below what is acceptable.

Energy Efficient HVAC System Upgrades

Older HVAC units are not as energy-efficient as newer and more modern options. Newer air conditioners are required by the Department of Energy to meet certain energy efficiency standards. Over time your HVAC system will lose efficiency. The older your unit is, the harder it has to work to reach the same comfort levels that you are used to.

Redesign Your Energy Efficient HVAC System in Your Home

Air conditioning systems work to cool your home. Rarely does each area of your home stays the same temperature or have the same cooling requirements. Zoning HVAC systems create comfort levels designed exactly like what you need and want. Zoning thermostats can redirect airflow to specific areas of your home as needed. This keeps the temperature consistent, between floors and rooms to provide the cooling and heating level you desire.

A zoned Energy Efficient HVAC system provides comfort and precision, and it helps you use less energy. Zoned HVAC systems can reduce airflow to unused rooms so energy is not wasted cooling/heating areas where nobody will be using it. When you pair your zoned HVAC system with a zoning thermostat, you can see additional savings that can further reduce your utility bills.

Summer Energy Efficient HVAC Tips

Looking for a more Energy Efficient HVAC system?

If you are sick of paying high utility bills and looking for an energy efficient HVAC system, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

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How To Unclog Your AC Drain Line?

How To Unclog Your AC Drain Line

AC Drain Line Maintenance

Clogged condensate drain lines can cause expensive repair that can be avoided. There are ways to prevent water leaks from a clogged AC drain line. Here are the steps to thoroughly clean your AC drain lines.

Step 1: Turn Your AC System Off

Some air conditioning systems will shut off if the condensate line becomes clogged. However, if you notice that the drain line is clogged, turn off your system. If your HVAC system continues to work, it will continue to drain water which can cause your drain pan to overflow causing water damage.

Step 2: Locate Your AC Condensate Drain Line and Runoff

Every HVAC system has a condensate drain line that runs from the indoor air handler to a location outside your home. This drain line removes the water from your AC system as it dehumidifies your home.

In order to unclog your AC drain line, you will need to locate your condensate drain line runoff and have access to it in order to clear them.

You will need to know the location of both your condensate drain line runoff and access to clear the clog.

Step #3: Removing the AC Drain Line Clog

At your drain runoff, attach a wet/dry vac hose to the end of the drain line. You can use a towel or duct tape to make the connection to the drain line more airtight. Run the vacuum a few minutes to blow out any debris or build-up.

You may need to blow air out the drain line, or you may need to use the vacuum as a vacuum to remove the clog. You may need to repeat these steps a few times to completely remove the clog.

For difficult clogs, you may try a mix of bleach/distilled vinegar and hot water to remove build-up. This will help break down the clog and make it easier to remove.

How To Unclog Your AC Drain Line

How to Prevent Future AC Drain Line Clogs?

We recommend that you take preventative measures to reduce AC drain line clogs. Pouring a cup of bleach down your condensate line will kill mildew and algae and prevent future growth inside the drain line.

Have a clogged AC drain line?

If you suspect your AC drain line is clogged, avoid costly repairs and call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email. The longer you ignore or put off making the call, the most costly the repair can be.

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