The simple answer is no.  You only need  to pour bleach (or vinegar) down the condensate drain of your heating and cooling system when the air conditioner is used during the warm months of the year. This water, called condensate, collects when the moisture in the air in our home (humidity) comes in contact with the cold coil that is inside your system when running the air conditioner. The condensate is collected and drains through a pipe to a location outside of  your home.

In the Deep South where we live, algae spores are everywhere.  So algae begins to grow in the drain when condensate is present.  Untreated, the algae can grow and eventually block the drain.  If this drain is blocked, the water accumulates and can overflow,  in some cases damaging floors and ceilings.  Pouring a cup of bleach or vinegar through the system drain every month will help keep the drain open all summer.

A great way to remember to change your filters is to use the arrival of your utility bill to remind you to change them and pour the bleach in your drains.  For systems that are difficult to access, there are some professional treatments that reduce or eliminate the need to pour bleach in  your hvac condensate drain.  If you would like more information about this, pleasegive us a call at 517-3050