Air Conditioner Float Switch
Air conditioners have a variety of benefits, but they can still cause serious damage if proper precautionary measures are not taken into consideration. Air conditioner float switches are used to protect against one of the most destructive things that you’re ac system can cause: an overflow.
The role of an air conditioner is to not only remove heat from air, but also condition it by removing moisture. This process is referred to as phase conversion, whereby it utilizes refrigerant compounds to convert liquid to gas, within the air conditioning evaporator coils. This process uses up the heat in the air; thereby, cooling it. This implies that moisture from the air is eliminated through evaporation. The evaporated water condenses within the unit, and the cycle of evaporation and condensation continues. This cycle leaves some condensate behind that is supposed to be drained from the unit as it collects, outside your home or building, through a drain line. However, the moisture may be abstracted from leaving, causing it to build up in the unit and overflow.
An overflow occurs when dirt and slim clog the drain lines, causing it to backup. If your evaporator coil unit has a drain pan, then it can catch any excess moisture before it results to serious concerns. A drain pan is particularly crucial for air conditioning systems in attics since an overflow can destroy the ceiling, and even result in microbial growth. Microbial growth can lead to mold, which creates a potentially hazardous living environment. Drain pans are also useful in preventing overflow damage in vacation homes, especially when the owner is away for a long period of time. However, a drain pan can only prevent overflow until full capacity, after which the liquid begins to spill over.
Prevent Water Damage When Installing AC Float Switch
An ac float switch prevents the overflow from occurring after the drain pan has reached capacity. While air conditioners are designed to facilitate drainage of moisture to the exterior of the building, debris and algae, that occurs naturally, can block the drain line leading to poor discharge of the liquid. The liquid that results from a backup is more than the capacity of a drain pan, which can result in water damage.
If you have a properly installed air conditioner float switch, a small valve in the switch will float when the moisture begins to accumulate in the drainage line, sending a signal to the compressor unit so that it can turn off. Deactivation of the compressor puts a stop to the condensation process, which means that an overflow is prevented.
To provide a healthy indoor environment and maintain a peace of mind, you should hire a certified Miami HVAC contractor to install an emergency drain pan and ac float switch. You should also request periodic flushing of drain lines with vinegar or bleach to reduce algae and prevent clogs.
An air conditioner safety float switch provides a cost effective solution to guard against potentially critical issues. A Safety Float Switch is a cost effective solution to give you peace of mind against a potentially serious issues. Drain pans sell for about $75 – $150, while a Gem Tech GT2500 Inline Float Switch with Clean out sells for $50-$95 Alternatively, you can buy the cheaper GemTech GT-SS1 Primary Float Switch , or GT3150 Water Sensor, Inline Float Switch. Keep in mind that the prices doesn’t include labor.