Oh no; okay, here’s what to look for! If you need a helping hand, always call the pros at ACHV.
What is likely (keyword – likely) happening, is that you have a clogged drain line. Honestly, 90% of the time when we’re called out for HVAC service, it ends up being a clogged drain line. You see, the water goes into the float switch and cuts the power to the thermostat. Then, you’re frustrated because nothing appears to be working.
If you’re dealing with a blank thermostat, the experts at ACHV Services are here to assist! If it’s not the drain line, we’ll pinpoint exactly what’s going on with your unit.
Why Drain Lines Get Clogged?
Some common causes of HVAC drain line clogs are dirt and debris, mold growth, or even small foreign objects (ex. Leaves) that could get lodged into your lines.
The unit then may show signs of the problem by turning off or blanking out your thermostat until the system is fixed. An AC system that frequently shuts off or fails to cool effectively can also signal a clogged drain line. The system may have a safety switch that turns it off to prevent water damage, or the clog may be causing the system to overwork.
You may also notice pooling water, see or smell mold, or hear strange sounds such as gurgling or bubbling noises, coming from the HVAC unit which can indicate that water is struggling to pass through a clogged drain line.
How to Check Your HVAC Drain Line
Though you may not want to DIY the fix to your AC system (and we don’t typically recommend it), here’s how to generally fix the problem. Now, if you run into any issues or confusion, just give our local pros a call and we’ll be right there to fix your HVAC!
- Check breakers and make sure they are on
- Check the batteries on the thermostat – make sure they are good or replace them
- Locate the air handler, which could be up in the attic, garage, or closets
- Locate the float switch
- Check if there is any water inside the float switch
- If yes maybe they can use a wet vac to remove the water or call us!
HVAC Pro tip: To help prevent it from happening, you can also try pouring vinegar or flushing with water. Our licensed AC team can add products to assist with controlling any algae growth.
How Important is it to Keep the Drain Clean
Here again, routine HVAC maintenance is important. When you periodically check the system, you’ll find and fix common issues that can become BIG problems.
It’s not just blanking out your thermostat or causing it to not turn on. Drain line clogs sometimes cause significant water damage to the property. This could be on the floors of your house or if you live in a condo or townhouse it could result in damage to your ceilings (or even a neighbors) too.
Remember: Without routine cleaning and inspection, small issues can go unnoticed and escalate into major clogs. Regular HVAC maintenance helps to identify and address potential problems before they become severe.
Why Call a Professional to do the Job
Drain lines are complicated sometimes needing strong chemicals, or even needing to open the air handler because the clog could be inside that part of your HVAC system.
You can try to troubleshoot with our tips above, or simply give our local team a call. If you need a helping hand, call our Tampa Bay area HVAC company for blank thermostats, air handler or drain line issues, and more – we’ll be right there for your air! Oftentimes, providing service the same or the next day; with many repairs being fixed on the first visit. See our service area or call/text for affordable AC maintenance.
