Should I add 1/2 cup of bleach to my air conditioner pans monthly?

Question

someone recommended this to us last summer to prevent algae in case of overflow, but I can't remember who and exactly what they told us to do

Answer 1

IF,(and you should) when your unit is checked each year, have the technician put in a "strip" to combat the mold and slime. They last for a long time because they only work when the system is running making water. They also fight rust and aluminum oxidation which are a major cause of evaporator coil and primary drain failure. They come rated for different tonnages. They run from $7 to $12, but you don't have to remember to do anything.

Answer 2

I just found this from an article in " The Arizona Republic":

" We recommend that you add a cup of bleach to your air-conditioner's drain pan once or twice a season. If you can pour the bleach into the standpipe nearby, that would be easier, but sometimes it's best to pour the bleach directly to where it can get to the fungus, which tends to grow in the drain pan."

Hope that answers your question.