An air conditioner condensate pump works by automatically removing water that collects in the drain pan of your air conditioning system. Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Water Accumulation: As your air conditioner cools the air, condensation forms on the evaporator coils. This water drips into a drain pan.
- Reservoir Filling: The condensate pump has a small reservoir that collects the water from the drain pan.
- Float Switch Activation: As the water level in the reservoir rises, it lifts a float switch.
- Pump Activation: When the float switch reaches a certain height, it triggers the pump's motor.
- Water Discharge: The motor pumps the water out of the reservoir and through a discharge tube, typically to a drain or outside.
- Float Switch Deactivation: Once the water level in the reservoir drops, the float switch disengages, turning off the pump.
- Cycle Repeats: The process repeats automatically as more condensation accumulates.
In essence, the condensate pump acts as an automatic sump pump for your air conditioner, preventing water from overflowing and causing damage. It uses a float switch mechanism to detect water levels and activate the pump when needed.
