On average, temperatures in Franklin, Tennessee, stay above 80 degrees Fahrenheit from June to September. It’s no surprise, then, that many homeowners enjoy the benefits of central air in these hot summers.
However, it takes work to maintain these units if you want to keep them running efficiently and avoid replacing them. One of the easiest things you can do for your AC unit is clean the condensate pipe.
Keep reading to learn more about this five-minute maintenance job that could save you thousands of dollars.
Why Clean Your Condensate Pipe
The condensate pipe is what takes the moisture from your unit and carries it outside your home. It also helps remove humidity from your home which can keep your interior more comfortable.
Because it’s a great place for moisture to hide, mold and bacteria can grow on the inside. Over time, these can form clogs which can cause water to back up into your AC unit and home.
By cleaning this pipe out on a regular basis, you can prevent this growth and clogs from forming.
How to Clean Your Condensate Pipe
As you’ll see, it’s fast and easy to clean out your unit’s condensate pipe. There are only five steps in this AC maintenance task and it should take you less than five minutes to complete.
1. Find the Access Opening
The first thing you’ll want to do is locate the access opening. It should be close to your unit. If your unit doesn’t have one, you should be able to simply remove the pipe itself from where it attaches to the unit.
2. Open It
To clean the inside of the pipe, you’ll then need to open the access opening. In many cases, this will involve unscrewing a cap.
3. Add Bleach
Carefully pour a full cup of bleach into the condensate pipe. If you’re concerned about clogs, pour slowly to avoid the bleach backing up everywhere. You may also want to use a funnel to ensure every drop goes into the pipe.
This will kill any bacteria or mold that may be growing on the inside of the pipe and can flush out smaller clogs that may have begun to form.
4. Check for Clogs
The next thing you’ll want to do is check for clogs. The best way to do that is to have someone else on the other end of the pipe watching for the bleach. If not, you may want to put something beneath the other end to catch the liquid.
As long as all of the bleach travels quickly through the pipe, you should be good to go.
5. Clean Outside
This final step is primarily for aesthetics, but can also help keep your whole home cleaner. Use a wet rag to wipe down the outside of the condensate pipe to remove dust and grime.
Need Professional Help with Your Condensate Pipe?
Now you know how to clean your condensate pipe. As you can see, it’s something you should be able to do yourself but may also need professional help with.
If you’re worried about the condition of your pipe or any part of your HVAC system, contact us today. We would be more than happy to help you with anything you need regarding your heating or cooling systems.
