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My home central AC isn't working. I have to clear the condensation tube because it's stopped up and the unit is in my attic and the condensation leaked onto my ceiling. This is our first time using it since last year. I tried to shopvac the tube but nothing is coming out so I'm gonna get it fixed in the next couple days.
In the meantime, can I run the central air fan only? That doesnt make any condensation, does it? Just wanted to make sure before I give it a shot.
Yes! Running the fan only can help by evaporating some of the condensate. This should have been posted in house forums though. Ask the A/C man about pills to place in pan to prevent algae or molds forming in it. This can cause blockages.
If the shopvac didn't work, you might try using a small air compressor or canned air to blow the line clear. If the unit is in the attic, running the fan may provide you more hot air than cooling.
If you do have someone come to work on it, you might ask them to install a secondary condensate tube higher up in case the first one clogs. Usually this one is piped out through the soffit close to an exterior door.....if you see water coming out of it you know there is a problem. It is a common and preferred building practice. It also insures a ceiling is not going to get ruined.
Check under the bathroom sink to see if there is a condensate tube attached to the trap. If so, it might be clogged with gunk and hair from the sink drain. Have a bucket handy. I've had this happen to me. The secondary soffit overflow drain pipe was not pitched correctly so the pan filled up.
So when the secondary lines start getting clogged, will standard practice be to install a third line? Funny stuff. A simpler solution might be to install a cut-off switch that activates just before an overflow, forcing the person to look at the system and go "Ewwww." If the line is clogged, there is mold and/or dust clogging it. Neither are particularly healthy.
Check under the bathroom sink to see if there is a condensate tube attached to the trap.
If by chance it was done this way (hopefully not- there is no means to moniter), I hope it was done correctly ( I don't think anyone would actually use this form of drainage for condensation today). The last thing you want to do is suck sewer gas into the air system.
I have a cut off float switch on mine, and I assumed most all units did. I guess if her unit ruined the ceiling, her's did not. A cut off unit would be better then a secondary higher drain.......both would be better.
Personally, I do not like air handlers in attic spaces, but I know a lot of them are out there......
Frank
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Funny stuff. A simpler solution might be to install a cut-off switch that activates just before an overflow, forcing the person to look at the system and go "Ewwww." If the line is clogged, there is mold and/or dust clogging it. Neither are particularly healthy.
A cut off unit would be better then a secondary higher drain.......both would be better. 
