Tips While Replacing An Air Conditioner Drip Pan Wear gloves and eye protection. Remove the old drip pan. Replace it with a new drip pan, making sure that it's level and has no leaks around its base or sides.
The cost to replace a drip pan on an AC unit ranges from $200 to $600. Typically, the drip pan is part of the evaporator coil so most of the time we need to change the coil as well. That can cost over $2000. If the pan is in an air handler or a package unit, we can often replace for approximately $500.
The pan is not the problem and the pan should last 20+ years. Replacing the pan will not solve the growth problem. Most AC systems have buildup of bacteria which is why we can't drink the condensate coming out of them.
If its just drip and drain pans, either grind off the rust and paint with rust prevention paint or replace with plastic.
Typically once a drain pan has rusted through, there's no fixing it. The only option becomes replacement of the pan or the air handler. Then replacement, evacuation and recharge. This is not a simple job and unless you have all the tools to perform it and knowledge of how, it's best left to a tech.
If you have a secondary condensate drain pan, replacing it can be a fairly simple task, but every unit is different. If you have to disconnect anything more than the power to the unit, it's probably best to call in a professional.
A drip pan will not have a drain hole which means the pan will capture your spills and drips but is not required to evacuate the contents through a drain. A drain pan on the other hand will have a hole(s) in the wall or bottom of the pan that will allow for controlled emptying of its contents.
Signs of a Full AC Drain Pan
If water is pooling around your indoor unit, you probably have an AC drainage problem. Some AC units have an overflow float switch that will turn the air conditioner off if it detects a backup.
An easy way to prevent rust and leakage is to have a preventative coating like PAN SEAL applied to the drip pan to seal and repair any holes that are causing leaks. By sealing your drip pan, you can reduce the chances of rust and water leakage, and other serious issues such as mold, fungus, or mildew.
Use vinegar or dish soap to clean the drain pan, removing mold, algae, dust, dirt, and other particles. Doing so will prevent future mold and algae development, as well as adding pan tablets.
One of the most common reasons for a clogged drain pan is the presence of a defective drip pan. Drip pans are meant to drain water away from your A/C condenser with an easy-to-use hose. If your AC drain pan has rusted or corroded, there's a good chance that it no longer works.
How long do stove drip pans last? With care, your stove drip pans should last the lifespan of your range and stovetop. If they become caked with food and grease and can't be cleaned, there are replacements readily available in home improvement or home goods stores.
The purpose of your drip pan is to collect water droplets. It is normal to find water on the drip pan, provided that water is able to smoothly flow out of it through the line. A problem arises if water accumulates in the drip pan, and overflows.
The actual leak repair depends on the component that's leaking. A simple O-ring can cost just a few dollars plus labour, but a new air conditioning line or condenser can cost hundreds of dollars. All-in, you can expect to pay $150 to $1,000 or more for a leak repair.
Where is the Condensate Pan? An AC unit typically has two different drain pans: The primary air conditioner drain pan located underneath the indoor evaporator coils and the auxiliary or back up drain pan. The primary condensate pan is usually welded to the evaporator coil, making it harder to replace.
Remove the rust: Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove the rust from the drip pan. Make sure to wear protective gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling any rust particles. Clean the drip pan: Once you've removed the rust, clean the drip pan thoroughly using a mild detergent and warm water.
Steps to clean drip pans
Place the drip pans in the sink in very hot water and let soak for 10 minutes. Drain the water from the sink and pour in distilled white vinegar to cover the baked-on food and grease. Let them sit in the vinegar for 30 minutes.
Electric Ovens: Do not use aluminum foil to line the oven bottom. Foil can trap heat or melt, resulting in damage to the product and a shock or fire hazard. Electric Coil Cooktops: Do not use aluminum foil to line drip pans. Foil can trap heat or melt, resulting in damage to the product and a shock or fire hazard.
Most AC system condensation issues stem from improper drainage. Failure to keep up with routine maintenance and cleaning may lead to drain line issues. For example, your condensate drain line may clog due to a buildup of dirt, mold, bacteria, and debris. This blocking causes water to back up elsewhere in your system.
Replacing an AC drip pan usually costs between $110 and $160. This price range accounts for the cost of the new drip pan itself, as well as the labor required to remove the old pan and install the new one.
Typically crafted from aluminum or galvanized steel, metal pans offer durability and resilience to high temperatures. On the other hand, plastic pans, made from materials such as ABS or PVC, provide corrosion resistance.