The beauty of air conditioning in Washington DC is that we don’t have to do anything to live in a cool climate even when it’s boiling outside. Programmed to adjust automatically, modern thermostats make it even easier.
Air Conditioning 101
The process of conditioning air to a cooler temperature involves rapid evaporation and condensation of chemicals called refrigerants. These are compounds having properties that allow them to change from liquid to gas and back at low temperatures.
When the liquid evaporates and transforms into gas it absorbs heat. Compressed tightly together again, the matter condenses back into liquid with a residue of unwanted moist heat that must be released to the outdoors.
Over the course of handling the air to cool it, air conditioners are able to filter dust and dehumidify the air as well. This release of moisture is why air conditioners have drains.
Condenser Coils
As the heat is removed from the gas, it forms condensation that must be drained from the system. Tiny particles accumulate along the path, prone to shifting and resettling until they become lodged and can form a significant enough blockage to hamper the efficiency of the unit. If the drain line becomes blocked, the unit drips or overflows the pan and works its way back into the house, causing damage and potentially mold.
Easy Fix
A simple act of maintenance performed twice a year and requiring no tools can eliminate the problem. To check and maintain your condensate drain, these are the steps your AC technician will perform:
On the interior side, they will remove the panel of the unit and find the drain line, usually a plastic tube. If the pan is full of water, there is a blockage. On a whole house system, they then find where the plastic tube exits the house, making sure that it is above ground and clear to drain away. Flush the line with a short burst from a hose.
Regular maintenance is simply a 1/2 cup of warm water poured down the tube to ensure a clean and free flowing pipe, which can be taken care of during your annual maintenance visit. Call Polar Bear Air Conditioning and Heating today if you need heating or air conditioning service in Washington DC and the surrounding area!