Biological Fouling of the Condensate Pan

Air conditioning systems not only cool but they also remove humidity from the air. This humidity condenses in the cooling coil and then goes out the drain line to the outside of the building. HVAC drain pans act as an amplification site for microbial growth and dirt. Microbial growth proliferates while the drain pan accumulates dirt and other incoming debris. Left unchecked, buildup continues and drain lines are plugged with this biological soup. Overflows spill out from your furnace or air handler and can cause significant water damage to the system’s controls and to the structure of the home, such as ceilings, drywall, rugs, etc. More importantly, the water contains fungal and other microbial matter, and contaminates areas of contact.

Overflows present an ongoing problem for all drain pan systems. High humidity conditions, failure to clean the drain pan frequently, and a high percentage of outside air introduction contribute to problems.

Stagnant water in drainpans contributes to microbial growth. Stagnant water occurs where drain pans have hills and valleys in the pan so that the pan may not drain properly. Improperly installed pans, where one end is lower than the end with the drain, capture water and allow it to not flow out properly.

To kill and control algae, mildew and mold in your condensate drain line you can place "Algae Strips" in the condensate pan. EPA approved algae strips control the growth and odor of mold, algae, mildew and fungus for up to six months. For larger units more than one strip may be used.

 

Algae Ban™ Condensate Pan Microbial Inhibiting Strip

Algae Ban™ by Pur Air Technologies Inc. is an EPA registered polymer strip that prevents growth of microbes, resulting in the elimination of mold, slime, algae, and viruses in HVAC units. The formula has been proven effective against Legionella as well as many other air and water born organisms. This product is approved for use in all condensate drip pans to improve indoor air quality.

Algae Ban™ is specifically designed to treat the standing water in a HVAC system and is guaranteed to last for a period of 6 months when properly sized. Algae Ban™ incorporates state of the art time-release technology to provide a foolproof automatic feed of active ingredients. Algae Ban™ releases active components including an EPA registered biocide, surfactants, and odor counteractants in the presence of water for a full six months, assuring the prevention of microbial growth. This formula effectively treats the water in the drip pan as well as the drain line thereby maintaining clean water, inhibiting foul odors and killing germs at the source.

The water sanitized by Algae Ban™ will not grow microorganisms resulting in a clean and open flowing drip pan. Algae Ban™ disrupts the reproduction cycle of bacteria spores by killing them, which prevents the downstream spread of bacteria throughout your HVAC system.


Return to Top


Sta-Clean Condensate Pan Strips

EPA registered, timed-release control of microbial contaminants in condensate pans.

Effective against mold, algae, fungus, and other microorganisms.

Lasts up to 6 months.

Place in drain pan as far from drain as possible.

Protects your equipment from rust and corrosion with our unique built in corrosion inhibitor.

Download the Material Safety Data Sheet (Adobe PDF file)

 

Return to Top