We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
DIY

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Condensate Pump?

By B. Turner
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 11,281
Share

A condensate pump is a device used to move and direct the flow of wastewater produced by boilers, furnaces, and air conditioning systems. This condensed steam or water vapor exits these systems through a steam trap and collects in a nearby pan or tub. As the levels get high, the condensate pump redirects the fluid from the pan to an outdoor vent or waste area. In some applications, a condensate pump may direct this fluid back into the system for reuse.

Condensate consists of steam and vapor by-products, including both moisture and minerals. It's produced during the heat exchange process, which is performed by both heat pumps and air conditioners. Furnaces and boilers produce condensate as the steam used in these systems cools and returns to a liquid state. All of these systems produce some form of condensate, and all but the most basic include some type of condensate pump.

When choosing a condensate pump, buyers must first select a pump size that matches the size of the heating or cooling system. The pump should also be matched to the location, and should be capable of safely expelling condensate based on slope and area conditions. Some types of condensate may require special pumps that are capable of dealing with the minerals and other by-products found in the condensate. This may include acidic materials, particularly when the pump is used with a manufacturing or industrial furnace or boiler.

On a typical household heating and cooling system, the condensate pump collects and expels the condensate to the outdoors. It may exit into the municipal sewer system, or sump pit. Because condensate contains some minerals and combustion by-products, it may require special handling in some applications. The hot temperature of the condensate may also impact disposal.

In factories and industrial settings, the condensate pump may be used as part of an energy recovery system. The pump directs wastewater back to the boiler for purification and reuse. Some systems may simply capture the heat energy from the condensate, then reuse this energy for heating or manufacturing processes. The water can then be expelled from the building through normal channels.

Using a condensate pump as part of an energy recovery system offers a number of advantages to building management. It reduces heating costs and water expenses, and can help improve occupant comfort when used for heating. Energy recovery also protects the environment by reducing the demand for fossil fuels, and lowering air and water pollution rates.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-condensate-pump.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.