When your home’s central air conditioning system collects excess water, it collects it in a condensing unit that’s located in the attic and connected to the inside unit. When this occurs, the condensate pump is activated and removes the water from the unit and pumps it out a distance away from the home. These pumps are connected to the drain pan that collects the water and are activated when the water level rises to a certain point. In this guide, we will provide you with tips on how to choose the right condensate pump for your home as well as reviews of some of the top-rated models on the market.
By following our guide and recommendations, you can select a reliable pump that will keep your home’s air conditioning system running smoothly. If you want to know why you need a condensate pump, then you need to know how condensation happens. And how it is collected.
Our Recommended 10 Best hvac condensate pumps in 2023
Condensate pumps are used to remove condensation from heating and cooling systems. A quality condensate pump removes the excess water from your HVAC system and drains it safely outside the house.
To help you find the best HVAC condensate pump for your home, we spent several days researching and testing the most popular models on the market.
1. Little Giant VCMA-15UL 65 GPH 1/50 HP Automatic Condensate Removal Pump (no safety switch), Black/White, 554401
Features :
- CONDENSATE REMOVAL PUMP: Little Giant Automatic Condensate Pump features 1/2-gallon ABS plastic tank, and 6-foot power cord; 1/50 HP delivers up to 65 GPH
- AUTOMATIC HVAC PUMP: Ideal for collecting, detecting, and automatic removal of condensate from air conditioning equipment, dehumidifiers, high efficiency furnaces, condensing boilers, and other equipment where an automatic drain pump is required
- BUILT TO LAST: stainless steel motor shaft, thermal overload protected motor; CSA certified to US and Canadian standards
- Three 1/8-inch diameter inlet openings allows multiple appliances to use on condensate pump
- SPECIFICATIONS: 1/50 HP; 115 Volts, 1 Amp, 60 Watts, 3/8-inch OD barbed discharge, 65 GPH at 1-foot head, 15-foot shut-off, maximum 6.5 PSI, 3 inlet drain holes, 6-foot cord; maximum water temperature: 140 F
Additional Info :
| Color | Black/White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 7 |
| Width | 5 |
| Length | 11 |
| Weight | 3.9 |
| Release Date | 2017-06-14T00:00:01Z |
The Little Giant vcma-15ul automatic condensate removal pump is designed to remove water from humidifiers, showers, and other devices that produce water droplets. It has a flow rate of 65 gph and features a 1/50 hp motor. It is UL-cUL recognized and complies with U. S. National Electrical Code.
It is also CSA-rated for Canadian use. The pump is designed to automatically turn on when it senses the presence of water. It also has a manual switch to temporarily turn the pump off, should you need to stop the pump from draining water from your device. The pump is rated for 110 volts, and it comes with a 3-foot power cord.
2. Little Giant VCMA-20ULS 115 Volt, 80 GPH, 1/30 HP Automatic Condensate Removal Pump with Safety Switch, White/Black, 554425
Features :
- AUTOMATIC CONDENSATE PUMP: features a vertical-type switch to reduce footprint and is designed to automatically remove condensate produced by boilers, furnaces, air conditioners and de-humidifiers
- HIGH PERFORMANCE MOTOR: 1/30 HP, 1.5 Amps, 93 Watts, 115 Volts, 60 Hz, thermally protected, fan-cooled motor; CSA listed in the USA and Canada
- BUILT TO LAST: stainless steel motor shaft, thermal overload protected motor; CSA certified to US and Canadian standards
- PUMP WITH SAFETY SWITCH: can be connected to shut down the air conditioner condenser or wired to an alarm to warn of possible tank overflow
- SPECIFICATIONS: 3/8-inch OD barbed discharge, 80 GPH at 1-foot head, 20-foot shut-off, up to 8.7 PSI, 3 inlet drain holes, 6-foot cord; maximum water temperature: 140 F, equipped with safety switch
Additional Info :
| Color | Black/White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 7 |
| Width | 5 |
| Length | 11 |
| Weight | 4.1 |
The Little Giant vcma-20uls is a great choice if you need an automatic pump for a standard 2-inch drain. This pump is compatible with both indoor and outdoor applications, which makes it suitable for a wide variety of uses. The pump comes with a manual switch that allows you to turn it off if you need to access the drainage pipes for a reason. This prevents the pipes from being flooded.
The switch is also protected by a safety cage to prevent accidental activation. The pump is energy-efficient and quiet, with a 1/30 HP motor and an 80 GPH discharge rating. It has an impeller that’s permanently lubricated, so you don’t have to worry about maintenance.
3. Little Giant VCMA-15ULST 115 Volt, 65 GPH, 1/50 HP Automatic Condensate Removal Pump with Safety Switch and Tubing, Black/White, 554415
Features :
- AUTOMATIC CONDENSATE PUMP: features a vertical-type switch to reduce footprint and is designed to automatically remove condensate produced by boilers, furnaces, air conditioners and de-humidifiers
- THERMALLY PROTECTED MOTOR: 1/50 HP, 1 Amp, 60 Watts, 115 Volts, 60 Hz, fan-cooled motor; CSA listed in the USA and Canada
- BUILT TO LAST: stainless steel motor shaft, thermal overload protected motor; CSA certified to US and Canadian standards
- INCLUDES SAFETY SWITCH and 20-FT VINYL TUBING: safety switch can be connected to shut down the air conditioner condenser or wired to an alarm to warn of possible tank overflow
- SPECIFICATIONS: 1/50 HP; 115 Volts, 1 Amp, 60 Watts, 3/8-inch OD barbed discharge, 65 GPH at 1-foot head, 15-foot shut-off, maximum 6.5 PSI, 3 inlet drain holes, 6-foot cord; maximum water temperature: 140 F, safety switch and 20-ft. tubing included
Additional Info :
| Color | Black/White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 7 |
| Width | 5 |
| Length | 11 |
| Weight | 5.05 |
The Little Giant vcma-15ulst is a great product by Little Giant and is ideal if you wish to have automatic condensate removal. It has a flow rate of 65gph and 1/50 hp. It has a 115-volt motor and comes with the safety switch, tubing and pump. It also has a 1-1/4-inch NPT discharge outlet. The dimension of this product is 3 x 3 x 9 inches and it weighs about 4 pounds.
The Little Giant vcma-15ulst is designed to be mounted vertically or horizontally. It also has a manual override switch. This model comes with a one-year warranty on the pump and three years on the motor.
4. Little Giant VCL-24ULS 115 Volt, 1/18 HP, 270 GPH, Automatic Condensate Removal Pump with 1-Gallon Tank and Safety Switch, 6-Ft. Cord, Black, 553211
Features :
- LARGE TANK CONDENSATE PUMP: Little Giant VCL-24ULS (553201) 1/18HP Condensate removal pump features safety switch, 1-gallon ABS plastic tank and 6-ft. power cord
- PUMP WITH SAFETY SWITCH: Includes safety switch which can be connected to shut down the air conditioner condenser or wired to an alarm to warn of possible tank overflow
- CONSTRUCTION: ABS pump housing, switch housing and tank; galvanized steel tank cover; stainless steel motor shaft; polypropylene impeller; acetal discharge adapter
- HIGH PERFORMANCE MOTOR: 115 Volt, 1/18 HP, thermally protected, fan-cooled concentric motor with stainless steel motor shaft, 60 Hz, 2.5 Amps, 148 Watts
- SPECIFICATIONS: 1/4-inch FNPT x 3/8-inch O.D. barbed discharge suitable for 3/8-inch I.D. vinyl tubing; 270 GPH at 1-ft. lift, 10.4 PSI, 6-ft. cord with 115-Volt plug; 120 degrees F max temperature
Additional Info :
| Color | Black |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 10.4 |
| Width | 6 |
| Length | 12.11 |
| Weight | 7.8 |
Little Giant’s VCL-24-ULS is a great choice for those on a budget. It provides enough water pressure to handle the everyday needs of a household. It has an automatic condensate removal pump that allows it to run dry up to 3 times before shutting off. The pump is rated at 1/18hp and draws 115 volts.
It has a maximum vertical lift of 24 feet and a flow rate of 270 gallons per hour. The pump also comes with a 1-gallon tank, which can be easily detached for quick and easy tank filling. The pump has a 6-foot power cord and runs quietly at 48dB.
5. Aquastrong 1/38HP 85 GPH HAVC Condensate Pump, 115V/230V, Automatic Safety Switch, AC Condensate Removal for Air Conditioner, Furnace, Dehumidifier, 3.3′ Power Cord
Features :
- High Performance: Automatic condensate pump features an efficient thermally protected motor, providing quick draining and quiet operation. It can move water up to 85 GPH or lift water up to 20ft vertically. Reliable hall switch ensures auto operation and long service life. Ideal for removing condensate from AC units, furnaces and dehumidifiers
- Hi-level Safety Switch: Two signal lead wires can be wired directly to HAVC appliances for safety switch – when the sensor detects high water levels in the reservoir, the safety switch will be triggered and shut off the appliance automatically to prevent possible tank overflow. Please make sure to install the pump vertically on a flat surface or wall
- Compact & Durable: Vertical centrifugal pump design with removable 1/2 gallon reservoir, easy to operate and maintain. Solid plastic construction ensures abrasion and corrosion resistance. Five 1” inlet ports allow for connection to multiple equipments. 2/5” O.D. barbed outlet with built-in check valve fits 1/4” to 3/8” tubing. Easy to install
- Auto & Safe: Condensate tank pump will auto start when the water level reaches 2.28” and auto stop by 1.26”. 3.3ft UL power cord with 3-prong plug ensures safety and convenience. It is necessary to clean the pump reservoir, float and filter basket at least every six months to prevent clogging
- Worry-free: Strong condensation pump for furnaces, air conditioners, condensing boilers, dehumidifiers and commercial ice makers. This product comes with a two-year warranty. Aquastrong customer service provides professional installation and maintenance supports
The Aquastrong 1/38-horsepower pump is a great choice for removing condensate from a furnace, dehumidifier, or air conditioner, with a maximum lift of 3. 3 feet. It includes an automatic safety switch and can run on either a 115-volt or 230-volt supply. The pump features a high-quality impeller and is capable of moving up to 85 gallons per hour.
It comes with a 3. 3-foot power cord and is backed by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. It features a 3-inch inlet and outlet.
6. Little Giant VCMA-15ULS 115 Volt, 65 GPH, 1/50 HP Automatic Condensate Removal Pump with Safety Switch, White/Black, 554405
Features :
- AUTOMATIC CONDENSATE PUMP: features a vertical-type switch to reduce footprint and is designed to automatically remove condensate produced by boilers, furnaces, air conditioners and de-humidifiers
- THERMALLY PROTECTED MOTOR: 1/50 HP, 1 Amp, 60 Watts, 115 Volts, 60 Hz, fan-cooled motor; CSA listed in the USA and Canada
- BUILT TO LAST: stainless steel motor shaft, thermal overload protected motor; CSA certified to US and Canadian standards
- PUMP WITH SAFETY SWITCH: can be connected to shut down the air conditioner condenser or wired to an alarm to warn of possible tank overflow
- SPECIFICATIONS: 1/50 HP; 115 Volts, 1 Amp, 60 Watts, 3/8-inch OD barbed discharge, 65 GPH at 1-foot head, 15-foot shut-off, maximum 6.5 PSI, 3 inlet drain holes, 6-foot cord; maximum water temperature: 140 F, safety switch included
Additional Info :
| Color | White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 7.03 |
| Width | 5 |
| Length | 11 |
| Weight | 4.8 |
The Little Giant 1/50 HP Automatic Condensate Removal Pump is a self-priming pump that is easy to install and is designed to work with low-level drains. It is UL- and cUL-approved, and comes with a 10-year warranty. This condensate pump is designed to work with a variety of systems, including air conditioners, boilers, furnaces, water heaters, and other appliances that produce water vapor.
It has a maximum vertical lift of 9. 8 feet, and a maximum horizontal distance of 50 feet between the pump and the drain.
7. Aquastrong Mini Split HAVC Condensate Pump, 9.6 GPH, 115V/230V, Automatic Safety Switch, AC Condensate Removal for Air Conditioner, Furnace, Dehumidifier, 3.3′ Power Cord
Features :
- High Performance: Automatic condensate pump features an efficient thermally protected motor, providing quick draining and ultra-silent operation (20 dB) with max. flow 9.6 GPH or max. head 33ft. Reliable hall switch ensures auto operation and long service life. Ideal for removing condensate from collector pans of AC units, furnaces and dehumidifiers.
- Hi-level Safety Switch: Signal lead wires can be wired directly to HAVC appliances or alarms as safety switch – when the sensor detects high water levels in the reservoir, the safety switch will be triggered to auto shut off the appliance or turn on the alarm in case of overflow. NC & COM for appliance; NO & COM for alarm
- Easy Installation: Mini split design with anti-vibration velcro strips allows flexible installation in line set covers, wall cassettes, or above ceilings. Removable visible tank and filter for easy observation and timely cleaning. 3/5” O.D. inlet comes with 3/5” I.D. silicone tube & 4/5″ I.D. adapter. 3/10” O.D. barded outlet fits vinyl tubing of 1/4″ to 3/8” I.D.
- Safe Operation: 3.3ft UL power cord with 3-prong plug ensures safety and convenience. It is necessary to clean the reservoir, float and filter at least every six months to prevent clogging. Please make sure to install the reservoir vertically with the magnet facing upward
- Worry-free: Small powerful condensate pump for air conditioners, dehumidifiers, condensing boilers and furnaces. This product comes with a two-year warranty. Aquastrong customer service provides professional installation and maintenance supports
This mini-split accessory is the ideal solution for removing and disposing of the small amount of water that accumulates due to condensation in your mini-split. The water is an inevitable byproduct of the cooling process, and it’s good that there is a simple and convenient way to get rid of it. This model has an effective pumping capacity of 9. 6 gallons per hour, which will be enough to properly drain the condensate from most mini-split systems.
It features an automatic safety switch that will prevent the unit from working if there is any kind of blockage, which significantly reduces the risk of accidents or injury. The cord is 3.
8. Supplying Demand CP115 SPCP115 HVAC/R Condensate Pump with Alarm 1/10HP 115VAC
Features :
- High quality pump designed to remove condensate from AC systems, condensing furnaces and boilers, ice machines, drinking fountains, and coolers. These pumps incorporate an audible alarm, and an overflow switch that can be used to shut down the system.
- Applications include HVACR, ice machines, drinking fountains, and coolers.
- 22 feet of standard lift at 10 GPH | Independent NC safety switch & motor switch | Suitable for acidic condensate | 1/4 inch quick-connect terminals | 3 terminals are provided for easy connection | Independent NO audible alarm switch rated at 80 dB
- Specially designed leak-free motor and safety float | 3/8 inch rubber ball check valve | Vibration absorbing feet | Metal side mount tabs, 11-1/2 inches on center | 3 inlet holes | 6 foot power cord included
- Alarm Sound Level: 80 dB | Maximum Temperature: 110° F | Tank Capacity: 1/2 gallon | Discharge: 3/8 inch | Barb. Frequency: 60 Hz | Motor Overload Protector: Yes | Amperage: 1.45 A | Watts: 80 W | UL Listed: Yes | Motor Horsepower: 1/10 HP | Voltage: 115 VAC | Dimensions: 5 inches wide x 11-1/4 inches long x 7-1/4 inches tall
Additional Info :
| Color | Blue, Black |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 7.25 |
| Width | 5 |
| Length | 11.25 |
This is a high-quality condensate pump that is designed to last for several years. It has an alarm that will sound if the pump stops for more than 3 seconds. The alarm enables you to quickly find and resolve the problem, preventing damage to your furnace. It has strong and durable plastic housings that won’t rust or corrode. The pump is also easy to install and comes with a manual.
The pump is energy efficient and uses 1/10 hp to push the water to a nearby drain or floor sink. It has a GFCI receptacle to protect the pump from water damage and the user from electric shock. Overall, this is a very good pump that suits most situations.
9. DIVERSITECH CP-22 Diversitech Cp Series Condensate Removal Pump, 12X6X6-3/4″, 120 Volts
Features :
- The product is highly durable
- Model Number: CP-22
- Item Package Dimension: 11.799999987964″ L x 6.799999993064″ W x 6.199999993676″ H
- Item Package Weight: 5.1 lb
Additional Info :
| Color | Red/Black |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 7.75 |
| Width | 6 |
| Length | 11.75 |
| Weight | 3.29 |
The Diversitech CP-22 is a powerful, high-quality, and durable pump that is designed for continuous operation. It has a high-capacity motor that generates 2. 2 gallons per minute (GPM) of water removal. This pump is also designed for drains with a 3/4-inch pipe, which is the standard for sinks, tubs, and showers. It also has a 6-inch outlet pipe.
The Diversitech CP-22 is extremely energy efficient, using only 5. 5 watts of energy per hour. This is a big benefit to homeowners, as it can save money on energy costs right away.
10. Beckett Corporation BK171UL (Replaces CB151UL) Medium Condensate Pump with Safety Switch, 115V, 17 Foot Max Lift, Black
Features :
- HVAC CONDENSATE PUMP: 115V, 60Hz, 60 Watts. 17 ft. max lift. NEW VERSION OF BECKETT’S CB151UL
- EASY TO INSTALL: Bullseye level, twist lock check valve, lift to test tab, multi-slot mounting brackets
- USER FRIENDLY: 4 inlet drain holes and safety switch is included
- AUTO START AND STOP: Automatic start/stop operation with thermally protected motor.
- RELIABLE: Outlet O.D. 3/8″ barb. Larger 2.5 quart tank capacity allows more water pumped out per cycle.
Additional Info :
| Color | Black |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 6.9 |
| Width | 5.65 |
| Length | 11.6 |
| Weight | 3.7 |
Beckett Corporation offers an affordable condensate pump that gets the job done. This pump is designed for 3/4 inch diameter drainage lines and has a maximum lift of 17 feet. It is rated to pump a max of 175 feet of head, so it can handle most average-sized showers and sinks with ease. The pump itself is made of durable metal with a metal impeller.
The motor is a 1/3 HP 115v with a safety switch, which means it will not turn on if there is no water in the line. This prevents the pump from overheating and causing a fire hazard.
A Guide to Choosing the Right hvac condensate pumps
A properly functioning condensate pump is crucial to the overall health of your central air conditioning system. The pump is the link between the air conditioning unit and the drain. Without a properly functioning condensate pump, excess water within the air conditioning unit cannot be drained properly and can lead to mold growth and expensive damage to your unit and home.
When searching for a condensate pump, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the best option for your home. Some of the most important considerations include the water pressure, pump capacity, and power source.
Water Pressure
When selecting a condensate pump, it’s important to consider the water pressure in your home and the pump’s ability to overcome this pressure. Your home’s water pressure is typically between 40 and 70 pounds per square inch (psi).
If your home’s water pressure is higher than this, you may need to select a pump that can handle a higher psi, such as a 55- or 65-psi pump. If your water pressure is lower than this, you may be able to choose a pump that can handle lower psi, such as a 35- or 45-psi pump.
Pump Capacity
When selecting a condensate pump, it’s important to consider the capacity of the pump. This is measured in gallons per minute (GPM), and the higher the GPM, the more water the pump will be able to move and drain from your air conditioning unit.
If your air conditioning system is fairly small, you may need to select a pump with a capacity of 1.5 or 2 GPM. However, if your air conditioning unit is larger, you may need to select a pump with a capacity of 3 or 4 GPM.
Power Source
When selecting a condensate pump, it’s important to consider the power source. A direct-drive pump is powered directly from your air conditioning unit, while a drain sump pump is connected to an external power source.
If your condensate pump is connected directly to your air conditioning unit, you may need to consider how much power your air conditioning unit is capable of providing. If your air conditioning unit is fairly small, it may only be able to provide enough power to operate a pump with a capacity of 1.5 to 2 GPM. However, if your air conditioning unit is larger, it may be able to provide enough power to operate a pump
FAQ Questions and Answers
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What is a condensate pump?
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What happens if you don’t have a condensate pump?
Bathroom vent fans, clothes dryers and kitchens all have one thing in common. They all use a tremendous amount of water when they are in use. When all of this hot air from the dryer, clothes dryer and bathroom exhaust fan gets pulled out of the house it needs to be replaced with fresh air.
This constant exchange of air will cause the temperature in the house to drop.
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How often do condensate pumps need to be replaced?
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What causes condensate pumps to fail?
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What is the purpose of the condensate pump?
The condensate pump is a type of sump pump. It is usually installed in the lowest point of the house, usually the basement or crawlspace. Its purpose is to pump condensate water out of the home’s air conditioning system.
How does the condensate pump work The condensate pump is a basic pump that is installed in the lowest point of the house.
Conclusion
The key to choosing the best pump for condensate is understanding the different types. The centrifugal pumps are ideal for handling large volumes of water and are usually less expensive than other types of pumps. However, they are not ideal for continuous operation and can fail without warning. The submersible pumps are ideal for continuous operation and can be installed in hard to reach places.
However, these pumps are usually more expensive than centrifugal pumps. The variable speed pumps are ideal for handling variable flow rates and are usually more expensive than other types of pumps. However, they are more energy efficient and can be connected to a thermostat to shut off the pump when the condensate tank is full.