Clean Your Vertical Air Handler Pan Like A Pro

Cleaning a vertical air handler pan can be a challenging task, especially if you're dealing with a complex HVAC system. The process involves several steps, including locating the drain lines, cleaning the casing, coils, and fan, and then cleaning and maintaining the drain lines to prevent clogs. While some of these steps can be performed by homeowners or business owners, others may require the expertise of a certified HVAC professional.

One crucial aspect of cleaning a vertical air handler pan is ensuring that the unit is disconnected and the power is turned off for safety reasons. This allows for the removal of the outer panel, exposing the coils, fins, fan, and drain line. The drain line is typically located at the bottom of the air handler and may drain into a pan or a previously installed drain.

When it comes to cleaning the coils and fan, it's recommended to use an antimicrobial solution. While some solutions are available online, certified air conditioning contractors often use more potent commercial products that effectively clean the coils without causing any damage.

Cleaning the drain lines can be done using various methods, such as spraying a strong stream of water through the lines or using compressed air and other techniques employed by commercial HVAC contractors. Additionally, certain hand tools like sewer tape or a hand spinner can be effective in removing buildup from the lines.

To prevent future clogs, homeowners can pour bleach through the lines to kill any microbes or use a UV light to inhibit microbial growth. It's important to note that the process of cleaning the air handler drain, casing, coils, and fan should be performed annually by a professional to maintain the efficiency of the air conditioner unit.

How to Clean a Vertical Air Handler Pan

Locating the drain lines

Identify the Indoor Unit:

Start by locating the indoor unit of your AC system. This is typically found in a utility room, basement, attic, garage, or closet. The indoor unit houses the evaporator coils, where the condensation forms, and the air intake.

Locate the Condensate Drain Pan:

The condensate drain pan is usually located directly beneath the indoor unit, collecting the water that forms on the evaporator coils. Depending on the system's design, the drain pan may be made of metal or plastic. There may be a fixed drain pan under the coils and an overflow drain pan below that.

Trace the Drain Pipe:

From the drain pan, follow the PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or plastic pipe that carries the condensate away. This pipe is typically 3/4 to 1-inch in diameter and can be white or clear.

Look for the Exit Point:

The drain pipe will exit the building, usually through a wall, floor, or ceiling, depending on the installation. It may be connected to a drainage system, a sump pump, or simply extend to the exterior of the house.

Examine the End of the Drain Pipe:

At the end of the drain pipe, there should be a small opening or termination point where the condensate water is discharged. Ensure that this endpoint is not obstructed to allow for free water flow.

Optional: Install a Drain Line Cleanout Tee:

For easier maintenance and cleaning, consider installing a drain line cleanout tee at a convenient location along the drain line. This provides easier access for cleaning and unclogging the line.

Regular Maintenance:

To prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage, it is essential to clean the drain line periodically. Use a wet/dry vacuum or a pipe-cleaning brush to remove any debris, algae, or mildew buildup inside the line.

By following these steps, you can effectively locate and maintain the drain lines of your vertical air handler pan, ensuring proper drainage and preventing potential water damage to your AC system and home.

Cleaning the casing, coils, and fan

Once the outer panel has been removed, it is a good idea to clean all the other moving parts. First, use a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris from inside the air handler unit. A wet and dry vacuum can be used to simplify this process.

For the coils and fan, an antimicrobial solution is required. Some solutions are available online, but a certified air conditioning contractor will have access to a more potent, commercially available product that will do a better job without damaging the coils.

One option is to use an aerosol can of evaporator coil cleaner. This can be rinsed off by running the cooling and letting the condensation clean the coil.

Before reassembling the unit, spray the inside with Microban to prevent mold growth.

Cleaning the drain lines

To clean the drain lines of a vertical air handler, you must first locate the indoor AC unit. This is usually found underneath the evaporator coils, on the same side as the air intake.

Once located, turn on the central air conditioning thermostat and let it run for 20 to 30 minutes. After this time, turn off the power to the air conditioner and remove the access panel to inspect the drain pan and the overflow pan. Use a flashlight to check for any cracks, dents, holes, rust, mould, or algae build-up.

If there is standing water in the drain pan, you will need to clear any clogs and debris. To do this, find the PVC cleanout tee (a small vertical section of the drain pipe) and unscrew the cap. Insert a funnel and slowly pour a gallon of water down the drain. If the water doesn't drain, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to draw out the clog from the outside pipe opening. Place a towel or duct tape around the vacuum hose to create a tight seal. Run the vacuum for up to a minute, and then remove it when the water starts flowing.

Finally, rinse any mould, algae, bacteria, or residue from the line using a small amount of boiling water. You can also pour a cup of vinegar down the drain to help prevent future clogs by killing mould, algae, and fungi.

Preventative maintenance

Firstly, it is important to locate the drain lines. This will involve disconnecting the unit by shutting off the air conditioner and turning off the power source. Once the power is off, you can safely remove the outer panel to expose the coils, fins, fan, and drain line.

After locating the drain lines, the next step is to clean the casing, coils, and fan. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris from the air handler unit. A wet and dry vacuum can also be used to make this process easier. For the coils and fan, it is recommended to use an antimicrobial solution, which can be purchased online or from a certified air conditioning contractor.

The third step is to address the drain lines. Disconnect the air handler drain lines from the unit, and flush them with a strong stream of water from a garden hose. Alternatively, you can use compressed air or other tools such as sewer tape or a hand spinner for a more thorough clean. This will remove any buildup and ensure condensate can flow freely.

Finally, to prevent future clogs, pour bleach through the lines from the air handler to kill any microbes. Alternatively, use a UV light on the downstream side of the cooling coils and above the drain pan to inhibit microbial growth.

It is recommended to perform these maintenance steps annually or contact a certified HVAC professional for assistance.

Removing the coil

To remove the coil, the refrigerant must first be recovered, as it is federally regulated and dangerous. Then, the coil can be cut out. This will involve cutting copper lines. Once the coil is removed, it can be cleaned and then reinstalled, which involves brazing copper, piping the drain, evacuating the system, pressure testing, and recharging.

If you are not a trained professional, do not attempt to remove the coil yourself. Instead, call a technician, who will be able to advise on the best course of action and carry out the work safely.

Frequently asked questions