"dripping" AC = High Electricity Bill?
Question:Hi Guys,
Recently came off holiday (4 weeks) to find my attic A/C unit "dripping" about 1 drip per minute through an "overflow" type pipe into our bath (i think its called the secondary line), to the point where its stained our bath yellow.
So we recieved our electricity bill which is usually $150 when we are there, so seeing as we werent there this month, i was expecting lower, but it was $300!! Twice the normal when we were not at home!
The only thing running was the A/C at 78 Degrees, which usually runs at 72 when we are there.
So does anyone know why the A/C is now dripping through a secondary line (pipe outlet) and whether that could cause the massive bill. Or whether i should contact the Electricity company. I live in Apartments , so if it is the AC , anyone know where i can get them to pay 1/2 the bill as the AC is their responsibility.
Thanks!
Answers:
If water is coming out of hte SECONDARY condensation line, it means that the primary line is clogged, generally with algae or similar material. When this happens, condensation from your a/c goes into a pan where the condenser sits. This makes your condenser considerably less efficient, and your a/c has to run longer to create the same level of cooling. If the secondary line ever clogs as well, you can have some major damage on your hands.
To unclog the primary or secondary line, open the access to the line and pour a solution of bleach and water through it. That should get rid of the algae. If it doesn't, you'll have to get a "snake" to clean the line.
If you pour a bit of bleach solution through the line once a month when the a/c is in use, you can prevent the problem in the future. As to payment for your bill, I would presume that the line for your a/c is your responsibility, so it's unlikely that you will be able to get the apartment owners to pay.
I don't think it does
There are so many types of A/C units, I have 3 different ones in my condo, and if there is moisture in the air, the a/c should be drained weekly to keep it at optimum performance. If you were gone for 4 weeks, I wonder why the a/c was left on?
Anyway-the a/c is your responsibility, my advise is to have it serviced-look up repairmen in your area, tell them you are on a tight budget, and offer-if you can-to pay cash.
Whatever is the case, the unit prob. needs to be drained, and is not a huge deal.
The dripping line is most likely due to a clog in the first drain line. AC units are also dehumidifiers, that is why they drip water as they take it out of the air. As far as electrical use. I doubt the clogged line could or would cause a higher bill. Has it been hotter than normal where you live? In my part of the country we have had record highs.
Maybe it is because the weather is hotter now. Try cleaning your ac filters.
If the air conditioner is the landlord responsibility, they should have a technician out to repair it. You sound like you have a valid argument for 1/2 the electric bill. Present your case to the landlord as you did to us. The worst they can do is say 'NO!'
The primary drain is stopped up. It drains above your sink to make sure that you know that your primary drain is stopped up. If you are renting, your landlord should take care of the line which is usually done by putting a vacuum at the end of the line. I would not recommend adding bleach or any other solution to the drain pan because it could overflow and cause other problems. I would not continue to allow the unit to drain out of the secondary drain because if that drain line stops up, you will have water overflowing in your closet or wherever the unit is located.
A clogged drain will not cause your bill to run higher.
If your lease allows it, call your landlord to have your a/c unit drained and checked for blocked lines. Also, check with your electric co. to verify that the bill is accurate and not an estimate (most companies will come and take a true reading to verify your usage). My provider used to use actual numbers even months, and "estimates" on odd months (that were never close to accurate).
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