In Episode 104 of the Ask Derek Cole Show, host Derek Cole answers two homeowner questions. First, he explains what a drain‑pan treatment is, how it works, and why it’s a low‑cost preventive measure. The treatment is an EPA‑registered chemical tablet that activates when condensate water contacts it, killing odor‑causing bacteria and breaking down debris so water can flow freely through the drain line, helping prevent clogs and overflow. He notes the typical price (~$49 for a 3‑5 ton unit), six‑month lifespan, and that it is inexpensive and safe. Second, he discusses duct‑cleaning frequency. Cole advises that ducts should be cleaned only as needed—not annually—typically every 5–6 years, and preferably before any duct‑sealing work. Frequent cleaning may indicate leaks, dirty grills, or other issues that need to be addressed rather than merely band‑aiding the problem. He emphasizes diagnosing root causes, cleaning, then sealing to maintain a fresh, efficient system.
Questions this video answers
A drain‑pan treatment is an inexpensive EPA‑registered chemical tablet placed in the condensate pan. When water contacts it, the chemical activates, killing odor‑causing bacteria and breaking down debris, which helps keep the drain line clear and prevents clogs and overflow. It typically costs about $49 for a 3‑5 ton unit and lasts roughly six months.
Ducts should be cleaned only as needed, generally every 5–6 years, and preferably before any duct‑sealing work. Frequent cleaning may indicate underlying issues such as leaks, dirty grills, or holes that need to be fixed rather than repeatedly band‑aiding the problem.
Chapters
On this episode, we talk about drain pan treatments and do I need to have my ducts cleaned every year? You ask your comfort and energy questions and they get answered. This is the Ask Derrick Cole Show. Hey, this is Derrick Cole. Welcome to Episode 104 of the Ask Derrick Cole Show, answering your home and energy questions. Mild weather, 75 degrees, nothing really spectacular happening. I just got back from my trip, so did anybody miss me?
No. Your tech recommended a drain pan treatment at our maintenance visit. What does that do and why do I need it?
Drain pan treatment, something very— it is something you need, but it's very What's the word I'm looking for? Not expensive, whatever that word is.
Inexpensive.
Yeah, it's a very inexpensive way to take care of that one problem. What happens, and you mostly see this in the wintertime obviously, is when you have condensation on that indoor part of the unit, the coil, you'll get dripping that will happen in the drain pan. It will go from the drain pan to the drain line. And go outside. That's the way it's supposed to happen. So what happens is if that water stays in that pan, it's in a dark, damp environment, it's cool, things start to grow, things start to smell. It's kind of an ugly situation. So a drain pan treatment would go in that drain pan, and once water hits that pan treatment, it activates an EPA-registered chemical, so it's safe. But it kills the odor or bacteria that is standing in that water. And also, it does a couple of things. It's going to help when it flows out to the drain line. If you've ever seen a technician clean out a drain line from a maintenance, it's pretty nasty. Have you seen that before in the back? Usually when they suck it out and clean it out, it's a glob of nasty stuff. Well, the Drain Band Drill will help with that because as it goes through the band drill and hits that chemical, it'll break that bacteria and things up so it can flow through that drain line. What's a big problem here in the summertime are clogged drain lines. And the reason it gets clogged is whatever's on that coil and drips or falls down, then that water carries it to the drain line and If it's not small enough, it will get stuck and it will clog up the drain line, which will clog up or make that drain pan overflow, and then you have that water problem. It's a drain problem. So you're doing two things there. One, you're killing the smell and the bacteria that could be in that drain pan, and you're also keeping that water clean as it goes through to the drain line so you won't have that clog happen. Now, that's not saying that something doesn't fall somewhere and block something. Some of the time, but it's a much better offensive play than a defensive play, which is reacting to what's happening. I would do a pan drain mitt only. A big one for a 3 to 5 ton is only $49. It's pretty inexpensive for what you're getting out of it. It'll last 6 months, so next cooling season or heating season you'll need to change that out if you use it. But it's not activated or it's not active until water hits it and then it starts with the chemical. And it's an EPA-registered chemical, so it's safe for anything that might— I mean, I wouldn't drink it, but—
Should I have my duct cleaned on a regular basis?
You should have your ducts cleaned. Now, on a regular basis, I'm not sure. What that means is like yearly. Usually you only need to clean your ducts as needed. We do a lot of duct sealing and we recommend a lot of duct cleaning before the sealing because you want to clean that duct, get all the dirt, get all the dust, get all the toys out of it. You'll be surprised how many toys you find on duct cleaning. Get all the toys out of the way. Before you seal it. That way you're starting fresh and you have it sealed and now you're starting from that place. But as far as a regular basis, you shouldn't need to do that. You should need to do it as needed every now and then. I would say, off the top of my head, I would think 5 or 6 years would last you. I mean, you shouldn't be having that much dirt get into your duct system where you need a duct cleaning. Every single year. Now if that is happening, obviously we have a hole or something, or dirt is getting in somehow. In some occasions I have seen that on like when the grill is at the back door or the front door. People like to put their shoes near it or step on it, or you know, all that dirt then falls down in that grill and then falls in a duct system, and there's no way for it to get out unless you clean it and get it out. So It was something I'd recommend doing, but it's something you shouldn't need done routinely, like a maintenance. You shouldn't have that big of an issue. But if you're finding that tech's coming out and recommending it every couple of years, then you probably have a much bigger issue that needs to be solved. It kind of goes back to what I've said before about solving problems here, solving problems and not putting Band-Aids on it. Duct cleaning could be a band-aid. You need to find out why it's getting that dirty and why it needs to be cleaned. Usually when we do a clean and seal, you know why it's that dirty because you have these holes and it needs to be sealed. So it makes sense to clean it and then seal it. So you need to look at all those when you have that situation going on. All right, this is episode 104 of the Ask Derrick Cole Show. Be sure to ask your questions. #AskDerekCole, or just call in and ask.
