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Inspecting HVAC Systems Topics include heating, venting, and air conditioning inspections.

 
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  #1  
Old 9/9/08, 3:46 AM
J. Christopher Weise J. Christopher Weise is offline
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Default Condensate shut off and pan drain?

Is a furnace drain pan in the attic with a condensate shut off switch still required to have a pan drain?
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  #2  
Old 9/9/08, 6:49 AM
David A. Andersen's Avatar
David A. Andersen David A. Andersen is offline
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Default Re: Condensate shut off and pan drain?

No, it's up to the local codes inspector.



"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different results." Albert Einstein

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Old 9/9/08, 9:35 AM
Andrew Cox Andrew Cox is offline
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Default Re: Condensate shut off and pan drain?

Even without the codes, it's a pretty good idea...



Andy Cox
http://www.CoxInspections.com
Kissimmee, FL
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  #5  
Old 9/9/08, 4:57 PM
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David A. Andersen David A. Andersen is offline
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Default Re: Condensate shut off and pan drain?

Condensate drains fail more often that pan switches.

If it were my house I'd rather a switch over a drain.

Is it a good idea that you pay for the upgrade?
Thought so.



"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different results." Albert Einstein

David A. Andersen & Associates
Clarksville - Nashville Home Inspector Lic#40
http://www.midtninspections.com
ITC Level III Thermographer Cert#1958
Building Science Thermographer Cert#33784
http://www.thermalimagingscan.com
HVAC Certification EPA Cert#2046620
BPI# 5015804
Link to my Website at: http://www.midtninspections.com/link-submission
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  #6  
Old 9/11/08, 8:23 PM
Greg Veal Greg Veal is offline
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Default Re: Condensate shut off and pan drain?

In my area, either/or is fine.
To me the best choice is the pan switch. If installed/wired in properly, the most reliable way to prevent ongoing system operation/ongoing damage.
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  #7  
Old 9/11/08, 9:12 PM
Frank P. Newman Frank P. Newman is offline
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Default Re: Condensate shut off and pan drain?

To me not having both in an attic is kinda crazy. If water fills the pan it means that the main drain from the unit has clogged. So now you have a unit that has shut down and a pan full of water over the ceiling with no good way to remove it. A disaster in the making !!



Frank P. Newman
Emerald City Inspections, LLC
Dublin, GA
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Old 9/11/08, 9:32 PM
Greg Veal Greg Veal is offline
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Default Re: Condensate shut off and pan drain?

Frank
If the pan switch works properly, as soon as the sensor senses water in the low point of the auxillary drain pan, where it is mounted the switch cuts the circuit to the A/C operation, which stops the production of the water (condensate)... way before it fills the pan. Installing a drain line is fine (like suspenders with a belt), but not really necessary. IMHO
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Old 9/12/08, 9:53 AM
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David A. Andersen David A. Andersen is offline
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Default Re: Condensate shut off and pan drain?

I prefer to have both.
In the process of cleaning the evaporator coil, it is handy to have the auxiliary drain pan catch the surplus and drain itself.
However in reality, by the time the auxiliary drain is needed in an emergency situation it can be blocked from installation, rodents, insects. That's where the drain pan switch comes into play.



"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different results." Albert Einstein

David A. Andersen & Associates
Clarksville - Nashville Home Inspector Lic#40
http://www.midtninspections.com
ITC Level III Thermographer Cert#1958
Building Science Thermographer Cert#33784
http://www.thermalimagingscan.com
HVAC Certification EPA Cert#2046620
BPI# 5015804
Link to my Website at: http://www.midtninspections.com/link-submission
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