Your HVAC system’s drain pan might be tucked away and out of sight, but it plays an important role in keeping your system running smoothly and keeping your entire facility comfortable. Condensation that drops from your air conditioning coils is collected by the drain pan, which prevents the moisture from escaping into your building or harming the rest of the air handler. However, even this simple piece of equipment experiences wear and tear over time. The protective coatings on the drain pan slowly degrade, and over time, rust and other contaminants will eat away at the drain pan, which can cause significant damage to your HVAC systems if it breaks down. Luckily, there are many signs that your drain pan needs refurbishing that can help you catch an issue before it turns into a costly full-system replacement. Here are 5 signs that your drain pan needs refurbishing.
1. Water Pooling Around Your HVAC System Can Indicate A Poor Drain Pan
Your condensate pan should collect and direct water to the drain line. If you see water accumulating near your air handler or leaking from the unit, it’s a clear indication that the drain pan has become cracked or clogged. This can quickly cause damage to flooring, wiring, and insulation. In certain situations, it also raises the possibility of slip hazards and mold growth.
In large facilities, these kinds of leaks frequently go undetected until they result in obvious damage. That’s why noticing the sign of a drain pan in need of refurbishment is critical. Fixing a small leak is much easier on your business than having to completely replace the unit because you didn’t see the signs. If there is water around your HVAC system, your drain pan might need to be repaired.
2. Your HVAC System Keeps Tripping Off, Pointing Towards A Faulty Drain Pan
When sensors identify a water backup, modern HVAC systems are designed to automatically shut off. If your system has been shutting down more frequently or appears to reboot without any indication, it could be a sign that your drain pan is overflowing. When condensation accumulates, a cracked, rusted, or blocked pan might cause the system to shut down by activating the float switch.
This is a clear sign that drain pans and lines need to be inspected and restored. Don’t wait until the overflow damages other parts of the HVAC system and your facility.
3. Signs Of A Bad Drain Pain Include Musty Or Moldy Odors
A nasty, damp odor around your HVAC system or in specific areas of the building is generally indicative of trapped moisture. Standing water in a broken or malfunctioning drain pan can promote the growth of bacteria and mildew. This affects not only comfort for people in your facility but also their overall health, particularly in places like offices, schools, and hospitals where indoor air quality is crucial. If your air smells “off” or staff and visitors are complaining, it’s worth looking at whether the drain pan is holding stagnant water, and getting your drain pan restored.
4. Unusual Humidity Levels In Conditioned Spaces Could Be From A Drain Pan Needing Refurbished
If some areas of your facility are more humid than usual, even when the HVAC system is turned on, it could be because your drain pan is not correctly collecting and draining moisture. Poor dehumidification and humidity imbalance might be resulting from a malfunctioning drain pan that incorrectly allows moisture to circulate or remain in the air handler unit. Facility managers might receive complaints about condensation on windows or sticky air if this is happening, which signals that your drain pan is in need of refurbishment.
5. You Could Need Drain Pan Refurbishment If Your HVAC System Is Running Less Efficiently
When a drain pan fails, it causes more than just water problems; it can also have an impact on how effectively your whole HVAC system performs. The system experiences heavier stress when coils, insulation, and electrical components sustain water damage. This leads to decreased productivity, increased utility expenses, and occasionally unscheduled downtime. If your HVAC system isn’t operating as well as it should, it could be a sign that your drain pan needs repairs and refurbishment.
If You Notice These Signs, Contact PROAC For Professional Drain Pan Refurbishment Services
Noticing the signs of a faulty drain pan and acting quickly could be the difference between simple system maintenance and a costly whole system replacement. The earlier you spot the signs of a bad drain pan, the better off your facility will be. If your business is experiencing any of these signs, turn to the HVAC professionals at PROAC. With over 27 years of experience helping businesses keep their facilities running well and maintain a healthy environment, PROAC can refurbish your drain pan, and even restore your entire air handler if needed. In addition to these services, we also offer air quality testing, mold remediation, HVAC system repairs, and many more building maintenance services.
Let us help you keep your facility running in top shape. Contact PROAC today to get your drain pan refurbished and to get your HVAC systems running smoothly again.