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should i put bleach in my air conditioner

by Prof. Maximo Weber DDS Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Bleach and Vinegar are Corrosive to metals
The reason you shouldn't use bleach or vinegar to clean your AC drain line all boils down to the fact that these chemicals are corrosive to metals. In other words, they literally eat away at metal.

Full Answer

How do you use bleach in an air conditioner?

How to Use Bleach in Air Conditioners. Before putting bleach in an air conditioner you must dilute it. This will reduce the potency of the bleach so that it does not damage the interior of the drain pipe. Mix 2 tablespoons bleach with 1/2 cup hot water and pour it down the drain pipe leading from the evaporator coil to the condenser pan.

Can I use bleach to clean my AC drain line?

If your AC drain is made of PVC pipe, you should avoid using bleach as it can melt away its inner lining. It can also break the cement joining between the drain pan and line. If the drain line clogs are detected sooner, you can call for routine maintenance or work on resolving the matter yourself.

Can you put bleach in a window-mounted AC unit?

Using bleach to clear clogs in the condensation drain on window-mounted air conditioners can potentially cause damage. Window units drain their condensation from the bottom of the case, which is just outside your window. Pouring bleach in to a condensation drain on a unit above decorative plants or your lawn will kill anything it pours on.

Can I use vinegar or bleach to clean my air handler?

Please be aware that because of a change in materials used in air handler units, some manufacturers no longer recommend vinegar or bleach due to strong vapors that could cause premature oxidation and degradation of the materials. Studies support similar effects of chemical vapors on copper and aluminum.

How often should you put bleach in your AC?

Using Bleach in Your AC Drain Simply open up the drain line clean out or T on your inside unit and pour a 50/50 warm water and bleach mixture OR warm water and vinegar solution through the line. Be sure to use a minimum of 2 cups once or twice per year.May 12, 2015

Is bleach or vinegar better for AC drain line?

We recommend using vinegar instead of a bleach solution because bleach can be harmful to your AC system if your drain line has copper tubing. Using vinegar will not damage your system. Spilling bleach can also ruin carpet or clothing, whereas vinegar will just leave a strong odor.Apr 16, 2019

Where do I put the bleach in my air conditioner?

0:011:18Where to add bleach to your drain. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you just remove the cap pour bleach in about a quarter of the cup. And then put the cover backMoreAnd you just remove the cap pour bleach in about a quarter of the cup. And then put the cover back on. You would always want to shut your air conditioner off before you do this.

Can I pour bleach in my AC drain?

Just pour a cup of bleach in the drain line's access opening near the indoor air conditioning unit. This will kill any algae, mold or mildew that has formed in the pipe. If the condensate drain line is clogged, you will need to use a wet-dry vacuum or a special pump to unclog the line.

Does bleach damage PVC pipes?

You can put small amounts of bleach down PVC pipes, but it probably won't break up clogs very well. Larger amounts can be dangerous. The bleach can also combine with substances trapped in the pipes and cause a reaction.Sep 30, 2021

How do I keep my air conditioner drain clear?

Add ¼ cup of vinegar to the drain line through the opening where the cap was removed. Let the vinegar sit for 30 minutes. Carefully flush the pipe out with water to ensure everything is flowing freely. Repeat every 30 days during the summer to keep the line clear!Jun 25, 2020

How do I get rid of black mold in my AC vents?

Combine 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Wipe the blades, duct opening and the inside of the vent with a long, flexible mop soaked in the bleach solution. Allow the inside of the vent to dry thoroughly before reattaching the vent cover. Black mold can grow in any remaining moisture.

How much bleach do you pour in your AC?

Mix 1/4 cup bleach with 1 cup hot water and pour it into the pipe that leads into the condensate drain pan. PVC pipe and pans are not affected by the corrosive nature of chlorine bleach, but be careful to not splash the bleach onto the evaporator coils or other metal parts of the air conditioner.Sep 26, 2021

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