This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
This Website Uses Cookies
By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More
This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
ACHRNews logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
ACHRNews logo
  • Magazine
    • Subscribe
    • Current Issue
    • Digital Edition
    • Archives
    • The NEWS eNewsletter
  • News
    • Breaking News
    • Newsline
    • FYI
    • Distribution Trends
    • Standards & Legislation
    • Manufacturer Reports
  • Products
    • HVACR Industry Store
    • Top 20 Products of 2018
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • Multimedia
    • Videos
    • AHR 2019 Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographic
    • Photo Galleries
    • Webinars
    • eBooks
    • The NEWS HVACR Quiz
    • Online Poll
  • Refrigeration
    • Refrigerants
    • Refrigerant Regulations
    • Reclaim
    • FROSTlines
  • Service
    • Testing, Monitoring, Tools
    • Duct Dynasty
    • Service 101
    • Components & Accessories
  • Business 101
    • Training & Education
    • Service, Apps & Software
    • Opinions
    • Guest Column
    • The Coach's Blog
  • Residential
    • Home Automation
    • Residential Ductless
    • Residential Geothermal
    • Residential IAQ
    • Residential Cooling Showcase
    • Residential Heating Showcase
  • Commercial
    • Internet of Things
    • Commercial Ductless
    • Commercial Geothermal
    • Commercial IAQ
    • Commercial Cooling Showcase
    • Commercial Heating Showcase
    • Marijuana Market
  • Directory
    • Manufacturers
    • Wholesalers
    • Consultants/Services
    • Manufacturers Reps
    • Associations
    • Parts & Equipment Exporters
    • List/Update Your Company
  • More
    • Editorial Calendar & Editor Assignments
    • Calendar of Events
    • Classifieds
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • Continuing Education
    • Market Research
    • Sponsor Insights
    • eProduct Info
    • White Papers
    • Contests
  • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Submit a Letter
Home » Condensate traps: The poor cousin of central air conditioning systems

Condensate traps: The poor cousin of central air conditioning systems

July 12, 2000
Reprints
One Comment
The subject of condensate traps has been around for many years, and has received considerable attention in the trade press over the last 18 to 24 months, some of it direct, some tangential to the topic of IAQ.

There can be no doubt that correct drainage and/or treatment of the considerable amounts of condensate produced by a central system is an integral part of the effort to improve air quality.

There have been numerous articles relating to the necessity to eliminate as much standing water within the air system as possible in terms of correct design and installation of drain pans as well as traps, and the regular maintenance that should be applied to these components as part of a comprehensive service regimen.

It's a fact

It is a well-known fact that all manufacturers of central air conditioning systems require the fitting of a condensate trap, usually on both pressure and suction systems. Most of them cover this in detail in their installation manuals.

In fact, some of them even apply a decal to the side of their unit or air handler as well, on which they specify what size the trap should be and how it should be fitted.

It is an equally well-known fact that many contractors do not bother to fit traps on the premise that they are either not really necessary; or they are too much trouble to inspect, clean, and maintain after they have been fitted; or even, in some cases, simply because the codes don’t require them or aren’t enforced.

If one were to ask a/c equipment manufacturers if they accepted any of the above reasoning, the answer would undoubtedly be a resounding no. In fact, many of the current building codes recognize this and specifically mandate the use of traps.

Give the trap its due

When one considers the IAQ problem as well as the potential for damage from overflows and the resulting costs and inconvenience, condensate traps generally have not received anywhere near the attention they merit, from the manufacturers, code officials and, unfortunately, many contractors.

What is required is for manufacturers to give more precedence to the traps in their literature and installation manuals; for code officials to fortify and enforce the codes universally; and for contractors to fit them correctly as a normal part of their standard installation procedures.

The reality is that, today, improved traps are available which not only are easy to inspect, but are specifically designed for easy access and cleanability without disassembly.

The latest designs offer the service technician the ability to actually clean the drain pan outlet of the a/c unit without having to open the unit at all.

In addition, the continuing search for energy efficiency has led to the introduction of a new generation of air handlers, some of which require deeper traps to compensate for increased system pressure. These too are available as a standard off-the-shelf item incorporating the features enumerated above.

The savings in time and minimal inconvenience are obvious. It should be clear to anyone that the rationale for thinking of a condensate trap as a potential problem area no longer exists.

The need for traps is clearly there; the means for satisfying that need are now readily available; and the benefits are apparent.

Subscribe to The NEWS

Related Articles

Carrier Introduces Newly Designed Central Air Conditioning System

The Professor: Symptoms of Air in a Refrigeration System

The Evolution of the Portable Air Conditioning Industry Continues

The Professor: The Needed Amount of Condenser Subcooling

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscription Center
  • Subscribe
  • Online Registration
  • E-Newsletters
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content What Is Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the ACHR News audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep.

Close
Trane-indoor-air-quality-product-01
Sponsored By
Trane Residential

Protecting Your Customers’ Indoor Air Quality Is More Important Than Ever

From seasonal maintenance to a system upgrade, your business is actually centered around providing the best indoor air experience, with quality at the core.

Popular Stories

Breaking News - The ACHR News

Ingersoll Rand Increases Prices on HVAC products

R-22 Phaseout

Using (or Abusing) the R-22 Phaseout as a Sales Tool

Senate HFC Phasedown Bill

Senate HFC Phasedown Plan Debuts With Broad Support

Breaking News - The ACHR News

Lennox Industries Inc. Announces Price Increase

Troubleshooting-situation

Troubleshooting Puzzle: An Uncomfortable Bedroom

The ACHR News Airpod Giveaway

Events

December 7, 2019

2019 HARDI Annual Conference

The major 4-day event for HARDI members brings together distributors, manufacturers and other vendors ready to drive their businesses forward. 

September 16, 2020

2020 World Congress for Solar Cooling

IASC seeks submissions that represent the best contemporary and innovative technology and thinking about Solar Cooling from a global and diverse range of designers, consultants, practitioners, engineers, architects, educators, thought-leaders, students and other professionals concerned with cooling, people, buildings and energy.
View All Submit An Event

Poll

Holiday Appreciation

What is your preferred way to show employees your appreciation during the holiday season?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

"More & New" HVAC Spells Wealth - book

"More & New" HVAC Spells Wealth - book

See More Products
The NEWS - ACHR - Logo The NEWS - ACHR - Digital Edition
Digital Edition

ACHRNEWS

The ACHR News - December 2, 2019

2019 December 2

Week 1: December 2
In this issue of The ACHR NEWS, we look at unique applications of HVAC technology, and new markets contractors should consider expanding into.

Week 2: December 9
We also examine Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology, and the benefits that contractors can pass along to their customers through the equipment.

View More Create Account
  • Resources
    • Submit a Letter
    • Submit a Press Release
    • Mechanical Group
    • List Rental
    • Ad Specs
    • Reprints
    • eProduct Info
    • Survey And Sample
    • Privacy Policy
  • Want More?
    • Subscribe
    • Connect

Copyright ©2019. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing