However, if left unchecked, the slime can cause a blockage in your air conditioner’s drain line. What problems can white slime cause?Īside from its revolting appearance, the white slime is not harmful at first. This photo shows white slime from a North Port, FL air conditioner in the tub of a wet/dry vac. The only known influencing factors are environmental. There does not seem to be a verifiable link between specific products or system configurations. Also, dust and dirt that accumulate on the coil provide ample food for the microorganisms to feast on.įor reasons yet unknown, white slime affects some HVAC systems and not others. Because bacteria thrive in dark, damp environments, your AC’s drain pan is a prime incubator. From there, the moisture travels outside your home via a pipe called a drain line.
Air blows across the evaporator coil, where moisture condenses and drips into a drain pan. The dehumidification process happens within the air handler, your AC’s indoor unit. Part of the reason is the way your air conditioner regulates humidity. But why would bacteria grow like this in your air handler? Actually, the colorless gunk forms around a colony of bacteria, protecting it as it grows. Studies have shown that white slime is not algae, and only a small percentage of it is made up of fungi. Rather, it is a bio-film or organic matter, consisting primarily of bacteria. The pale, gooey substance is not an invader from the unknown. What is white slime, and where does it come from?īefore you call an exorcist, relax, we’re not talking about anything paranormal.
MITSUBISHI AC SPLIT UNIT DRAIN LINE HOW TO
In this post, we’ll talk about how to treat white slime and prevent it from causing costly damage to your home.
It occurs most often in Florida and other southern US states during the summer, when AC usage is at its peak. This gelatinous substance lurks in air handlers, clogs drain lines, and causes AC malfunctions.
White slime buildup has become a common problem plaguing HVAC systems in recent years. If your air conditioner has recurring drain line issues, chances are the cause is white slime.
MITSUBISHI AC SPLIT UNIT DRAIN LINE ARCHIVE
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