Noisy Hi-Velo A/C Drain Pump
This question is for those of you with high velocity central air (not sure if issue applies to regular central as well). Ours was installed about 4 years ago, 2 zones. In one zone, the air handler is above a closet between the two main bedrooms. There is an automated pump to move condensation into…
This question is for those of you with high velocity central air (not sure if issue applies to regular central as well). Ours was installed about 4 years ago, 2 zones. In one zone, the air handler is above a closet between the two main bedrooms. There is an automated pump to move condensation into a drain line. This is the first year we have run the A/C regularly, due to more consistent heatwave, and the pump is driving us crazy. Even after the thermostat shuts the a/c off, the pump cycles on every few minutes, making a loud grinding motor sound for 5 secs followed by a bit of water gurgling. Contractor will be coming out to look and come up with solutions, but I am curious whether anyone else has dealt with this and what you learned/tried regarding these pumps. Are there ways to isolate sound? Are there quiet pumps? Ways to relocate? Other ideas?
Just returned from New Mexico, my internal clock isn’t right yet.
Bruce
Thanks everyone (brucef @3:38am, I hope my little problem wasn’t keepin you up late). First step is the contractor who installed the system is coming by to check it out, but it is good to have some perspectives on the issue to discuss with them.
hey sf, I have a regular ac not HV but we have the same situation with the condensate pump on the unit that is in the living quarters (other is in basement). I’m a little weird, I like hearing these things, makes me know everything’s working. Anyway, I’d be curious to know how much airflow the motor needs to stay cool, if any, and then I might build a small rubber-lined box to cover it and reduce the noise.
I assume you are referring to the WatchDog condensate pump that has a small float mechanism that detects condensate accumulating in the sheet metal pan under the air handler that should or at least usually drains by gravity.
Is there a PVC tube from that pan to an outside wall or down to a wasteline? Normally the condensate drains by gravity before it accumulates. They normally install an additional overflow preventer that is only supposed to work in case the gravity feed is clogged (which often happens during off-season). They usually use compressed air or nitrogen to blow obstruction from gravity line.
I suppose it is possible that there was no route down by gravity, and the contractor is solely relying on the overflow pump??? The UNico air handler can throw a lot of condensate in this weather, as the temp difference in a high velocity system is much greater than a normal HVAC.
My best guess is a clog, and the poor overflow preventer is shot from running so much. They are usually about $30.00 at the distributor.
I have a client that is an HVAC contractor, you can contact me bruce at jerseydata.net
A low whine at most. They don’t have a lot of work to do, so that noisy means a faulty bearing or pump.
Thanks.
Palvar — I’m not sure it ever sounded better, even new. It just didn’t bother us until now because our use was light. Do you know how quiet these things should be?
jhp — do you have a pump? Your condensation may trickle down and not need a pump. My understanding was they needed a pump to move the water up a bit to meet the drain line.
Sounds like a bearing wore out in the motor.
We have the same exact set up as you but our air handler is up in the attic and I’ve never heard the pump turn off or on. I know it does it’s job because of the steady stream of condensate I see trickle down the driveway. I’d call your installer – you paid plenty of money for the system they should be able to address your concerns. good luck.