Frozen HVAC Condensate Line
Fox heating and cooling frozen HVAC condensate line denver wheat ridge arvada

Frozen HVAC Condensate Line

Some homeowners and businesses may not be familiar with this particular problem with your HVAC and furnace, but recently Arvada and the rest of the Front Range experienced freezing temperatures. Temperatures were so cold in fact that certain systems of homes failed, like plumbing! As it turns out, homes and businesses need to be aware that freezing temperatures can affect your HVAC system – specifically, the condensate line. 

What happens when your HVAC Condensate Line Freezes

A condensate line or drain line is an essential component of your home’s HVAC system and fortunately doesn’t have recurring problems during average days of operation. However, during cold days in the winter, it is possible for the HVAC condensate line to freeze. When that happens you will notice a peculiar behavior from your HVAC system. Your furnace or air conditioner will start to switch back on and off quite frequently. Obviously, this will be alarming to anyone as the system will not be able to create comfortable air for your space and makes it seem like the HVAC is operating erratically. Fortunately, there is an easy solution that might save you the cost of a sudden HVAC repair or HVAC service.

Fixing an HVAC frozen condensate line

In order to fix this problem, you will need to locate the condensate line in your HVAC system. This line is typically a PVC pipe that is coming out of your home where the other connections of your HVAC are found. 

From there you need to inspect if anything is blocking the condensate line. Sometimes you can see icicles forming from the line and clogging it. Or even ice reaching up from a drain pan underneath the PVC pipe. Whatever it is, make sure there are no obstructions clogging the pipe.

Next, take some hot water and carefully pour it over the PVC pipe. Do not use boiling water! Be careful with the water and do this repeatedly until you can confirm ice and excess water is escaping from the drain line. 

Finally, when you confirm the obstruction is clear, find some material to insulate the pipe. Traditionally, insulation tape or an HVAC insulation sleeve is used. By covering the exposed pipe you are helping prevent any escaping water from freezing on its way out of your HVAC system.

When in doubt contact a professional

Let’s say you were unsure of the fix when it came to unfreezing the condensate line, that’s perfectly fine. If your HVAC is still not working as intended or you are feeling like a second opinion is ordered make sure to contact your local HVAC technician. Fox Heating and Cooling have been offering Arvada HVAC services for years. Wherever your home is in the Denver metro area, you can count on Fox for a quick and speedy HVAC service.

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