How Does an AC Drain Pan Work?

Your air conditioner performs an essential function in your home, keeping you and your family cool and comfortable through the hot summer months. To work effectively, several parts play an integral role in keeping your system running efficiently. The condensate drain pan on your air conditioner is a simple element on your unit that has a very important job.

Understanding what your drain pan is, what it does, and how it contributes to your air conditioner's overall function will allow you to recognize when there's a problem so you can get it addressed quickly before it evolves into something more serious. So, how does an AC drain pan work?

• Quick recap on how your AC works
• The role of an AC drain pan
• Preventing water damage & mold
• Benefits of routine AC maintenance

After you learn these basic concepts about your AC system, you'll have the knowledge necessary to ensure your unit stays at peak performance, lower your risk of malfunctioning, and recognize a problem with your drain pan before it can cause water damage or mold growth.

Need a Trusted Expert to Give Your AC System a Once-over?

The trained technicians at Advanced Air have been serving the local area since 1989 and have the knowledge and experience to inspect your AC unit for any signs of trouble. Addressing routine maintenance regularly is the best way to protect your investment, and all our work is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Your air conditioner works by drawing in the warm air from your home and blowing it over the evaporator coil inside. This coil, filled with refrigerant, absorbs the heat from the air, turning the liquid coolant into gas. This gas is then transferred outside to the condenser, allowing the heat from the vapor to be transferred into the outside air, transforming the refrigerant to liquid form. The now-cooled refrigerant returns to the evaporator coil and begins the process again, allowing the unit to blow cooled air back into your home.

As warm air cools within your AC system, condensation is formed from the humidity in the air. This moisture can cause trouble if it doesn't have a safe place to go, damaging the internal components of your AC unit or causing water damage to the surrounding interior of your home. The drain pan provides that safe place, collecting the condensation that forms on the evaporator coils and directing it to flow through the condensate drain line, where it can be safely distributed outside your home.

The drain pan is often made of durable plastic instead of the metal pans created for much older AC systems. This is to prevent rusting issues that are used to damage these important elements in your system. Damage is still possible, however, since this plastic still has the potential to crack, especially if the pan is subjected to intense heat in the winter due to it being located directly over or under the furnace. Signs of water around your unit could indicate a damaged pan and will require prompt repairs to prevent water damage and mold growth from the leak.

Along with cracks, sometimes the drain line can get clogged with debris, preventing the condensation in the pan from draining and causing it to overflow. The standing water within the pan and the water that spills over can also create an ideal mold growth environment and damage the flooring or wall space that soaks in the excess moisture. Any evidence of leaks should be addressed quickly before this happens.

Keeping up with your AC's routine maintenance needs is a simple way to extend the life of your system and limit the need for costly repairs. Having your unit checked over at the beginning of the hot season can give you peace of mind it made it through the winter without damage. Scheduling another inspection when it's time to shut it down for the winter ensures any wear and tear from summer use is addressed. This will help keep your system running efficiently when needed, preventing any components from being overworked and ensuring your energy bills stay affordable by not wasting power unnecessarily.

Sign up for the CoolClub Maintenance Agreement Plan to cover your twice-yearly AC maintenance calls and get a discount if any malfunctions that need repair are discovered. Advanced Air offers fast and convenient scheduling so you get the service you need when you need it.