Don't Let Your Ceiling Fall on Your Head...Get a Float Switch.

I often have to check myself. Like many, I sometimes take for granted the things I know, that others might not. And visa-versa of course. I certainly don't know everything a baker, or a banker, or a professional rodeo clown knows; just to name a few. I think perhaps the humble float switch is one of those things I know about and take for granted...To me, it seems like common knowledge. So for you rodeo clowns, bakers, and bankers out there...this is for you. First of all, when your air conditioner runs, it produces 'condensate'. Condensate is moisture that's been extracted from the air by the cooling coil; just like the sweat that forms on the outside of a cold beverage sitting on the counter. And a float switch is a little... well...it's a switch.... that's connected to.... a float. You install the float switch on the condensate drain of your air conditioner. That way, if your condensate drain line gets blocked by dirty condensate scum, and the condensate 'pan' (located directly underneath the cooling coil) starts to overflow, it triggers the float switch and turns off your air conditioner. This prevents damage to your home. If you're AC is in the attic, the condensate could pour over onto the sheet rock; and if it gets wet enough and heavy enough it could possibly cave-in your ceiling. In most cases, people notice a wet spot starting to form before it gets to that point. But, if you're out of town or you have a care free renter...it could happen. In fact, I've seen it happen. I'm talking wet sheetrock and insulation all over your bed spread. The kind of mess you don't want to come home to. Like your dog pooped on the floor, but a lot more expensive to clean up. That sheetrock repair could cost thousands of dollars, where as you can get a float switch installed for less than a couple hundred. Just $80 if I'm already there doing something else. In my opinion, every air conditioner should have one. Why not? It's a little extra piece of mind for not a lot of cost. If you have one... great! Many air conditioners have two. One connected directly to the primary drain pan, and another on the auxiliary/emergency drain pan. If you don't, I'd recommend you get one. Especially, if you're not one to stay on top of maintenance. If you're not sure whether you have one or not, poke your head up there and check. If you're not interested in doing that or you don't know what the heck your looking at, call me, I'll make sure you get have one. Thanks. Emitt