Drain Pan for Coil - InspectionNews

phil kaznowski · #1 (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 09:49 AM

Looked at a 90+ plus furnace with an indoor coil at the top of the unit and return air at the bottom. The drain pan had an opening to allow the return air into the blower compartment. The return plenum was sealed framing with no auxilary pan. In this configuration it appears that the contractor either forgot to install an auxillary pan in the return plenum or is assuming any leak will drain down the exterior of the compartment? Looking for your expertise.

Thank you,

Phil K.
Clio, CA

Rick Hurst · #2 (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 10:11 AM

Phil,

It is a A-frame type evaporator coil, they usually have a condensate drain tray at the sides of the coil.

Careful before you call that out as a repair, It may possibly have a drain collection pan.

rick

phil kaznowski · #3 (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 10:21 AM

Rick,

The access limited at the sides, rear and to the indoor coil (seams were metal taped). It just looked odd to see the panunder the furnace with a hole in it.

Phil.

Rick Hurst · #4 (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 10:43 AM

Thats an updraft unit. Its going to have an opening below the fan motor as your pictures shows. Usually there is an return air filter in that location.

rick

Rick Hurst · #5 (**permalink**) 05-23-2009, 10:50 AM

It probably has either a A-frame coil or what is known as a slab coil. Here is a diagram showing the drain pan below the coil.

rick

Jerry Shipman · #6 (**permalink**) 05-27-2009, 08:25 AM

I've seen many good and bad installations, and this is not what I would call a "good" installation.
The drain line should not be run down through the return air connection. Where does it go from there?
Actually looking at the picture, there is no return air ductwork. It looks as though they are using the floor joists as ducting. This is always questionable, at best, and I would question how this is sealed to properly return air to the furnace.
The drain from the coil should not be run back into and through the furnace casing.
Also looking at the pictures, it looks as though the old condensate line was there, (penetration through the wall on left side) but too much of a hassle to attach to. Where is the factory trap and drain for the furnace vent condensation?