Do you need a high quality condensate pump for your furnace or A/C?
In this guide, you'll discover...
Picture this: you walk into your utility room and water is all over the floor.
Well, if you have an unreliable condensate pump, this is an ever-present possibility.
The best condensate pumps have durable motors (with steel shafts) and safety switches that will automatically turn off your HVAC if it detects a water leak.
Below is a our list of the best condensate pumps. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use the best condensate pumps!
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Best Overall | Little Giant VCMA-15ULST
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| View on Amazon |
Best High Capacity  | Best High Capacity | Little Giant 553201
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| View on Amazon |
Best Mid Capacity  | Best Mid Capacity | Beckett BK171UL
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| View on Amazon |
Best For Tight Spaces  | Best For Tight Spaces | Little Giant VCMX-20ULST
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| View on Amazon |
 | Diversitech CP-22
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| View on Amazon |
My Overall #1 Rated Pick
- Pump up to 65 gallons per hour
- Three drain ports
- 20-ft vinyl drain line
- Safety shutoff switch
- 1/50-HP motor (60-watt full load)
Our favorite pick for the best condensate pump goes to the Little Giant 554415. The Little Giant can pump 65-gallons of water per hour with a 1/50-hp motor. There also includes three inlet drain ports so you can connect up to 3 different condensate sources such as an A/C, furnace, dehumidifier, or condensing boiler. The pump includes a safety switch, 20-ft of tubing, a 6-ft power cord, and a thermally protected motor.
Top 5 Best Condensate Pumps
Only have a minute? Check out our top 5 condensate pumps below! Keep reading to see the full reviews of each pick.
What Are Condensate Pumps?
Condensate pumps are specialized water pumps designed to remove water (condensate) from air conditioners, high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, and dehumidifiers when using gravity alone isn't workable.
These water pumps are usually installed in homes when a floor drain isn't close by, or if installing condensate piping to a drain would pose a tripping hazard.
The drain hose is usually a 1/4-inch clear vinyl tubing or 3/4-inch white PVC pipe that is routed to a floor drain, utility sink, or to the outside.
When water enters the water tank, a float switch activates the condensate pump, and it automatically pumps out the water.
Read Also >> Why Is My Condensate Pump Running Continuously?
How to Pick the Best Air Conditioner Pump?
Choosing the best condensate pump involves making sure that it is powerful enough for your system with the right horsepower and flow rate. Homeowners should also make sure that it has safety features to prevent water damage. Below are a few key considerations when looking for the best condensate pump.
1. GPH (Gallons Per Hour) Rate
This measurement is critical in determining how much water can the pump remove per hour. To determine this number, each unit comes with a pre-tested discharge rate.
The GPH rate lists how many gallons can be removed per hour the pump is activated. In general, the average AC condensate pump can remove between 40 to 80 gallons per hour.
2. Safety Switch
Its a smart move to buy a condensate pump with a safety switch. This special switch is connected to the furnace or A/C so that it will turn it off automatically if the condensate pump fails or overflows. These low voltage wires can also be connected to a water alarm instead if you prefer.
Read Also >> What Are The Top Dehumidifiers For Crawl Spaces?
3. Voltage
Depending on the system, a certain amount of power is needed to remove water from the drain pan. With a traditional residential unit, it’s acceptable to use a 120 volt outlet.
For larger units, the system may require a 220 volt outlet for more power.
It’s important to assess the property’s needs along with how much condensate is produced by the A/C unit.
4. Horsepower
The amount of horsepower generated by the HVAC condensate pump can help determine how much water it can pump out. In most cases, the average residential condensate pump is going to have no more than 1/30-1/50 hp.
With larger units, the furnace condensate pump may offer up to 1/3 hp.
Just like the voltage, it’s important to begin by assessing the property’s HVAC system and how much condensate it produces per day. This can help determine how much horsepower is required to keep the system in check.
5. Measurements
Measure the pump to make sure it can be placed next to the A/C unit.
Remember, the condensate pump needs to be installed nearby the condensate drain pan and will actively remove excess water once the HVAC is operating. This means it needs to have enough space so the pump doesn’t get in the way or so the drain line doesn’t get damaged with people walking over it.
6. Durability
How durable is the air conditioner condensate pump?
The best A/C condensate pump should be made of high-grade materials such as galvanized steel. This is the only way to make sure the pump doesn’t break down as soon as the HVAC system produces condensate.
When a condensate pump can’t remain durable, it starts slowing down. This can compromise the system, how it performs, and how consistent it is throughout the day.
Read Also >> Why Is My Condensate Pump Running Continuously?
How To Install A Condensation Pump?
Installing a condensate pump is a pretty simple DIY job for a handy homeowner. Here are a few general steps to install a condensate pump, though every install will be a little different.
- Remove Cardboard Insert: Unpack the condensate pump and remove the cardboard insert that secures the float switch during shipping. This insert will have to be removed prior to operation.
- Secure Pump So It Won't Move: Secure the condensate pump to the furnace, wall, or to the floor. You want to make sure that the pump is flat and that it is below the condensate drain pan.
- Connect PVC Drain: Connect the 3/4" PVC drain piping from the furnace or A/C into one of the top inlets. Insert PVC drain piping at least 1-inch into the pump.
- Connect Discharge Tubing: Connect the 3/8" discharge tube to a floor drain or to the outside. The standard size for the condensate discharge tubing is 3/8" and is usually clear and made out of vinyl.
- Secure Discharge Tubing: Make sure the discharge tubing is sloped downwards and won't move.
- Connect Safety Switch: Connect the safety switch or alarm so that it will shut off the HVAC if there is a drainage problem. If the condensate pump has extra wiring for a safety switch, then you must connect these wires in series with the low voltage thermostat circuit.
- Plug In Pump: Plug in the condensate pump into an outlet. It is usually a standard 3-pronged plug to a standard 120-volt outlet—GFCI protected. If there is no plug, you will have to hardwire the pump to the furnace.
- Test The Pump: Test the pump by pouring in water into one of the extra inlet holes on the top of the pump. Pour the water up to the top of the condensate pump until the float activates.
Read Also >> How To Tell If Your Condensate Pump Is Working?
Our Reviews of the Best Condensate Pumps
It's no secret that we love Little Giant condensate pumps at Home Inspector Secrets and we have quite a few of them in our top picks. We have also included a few other high quality pumps for you to consider...
Pick #1: Little Giant VCMA-15ULST
Best Overall
My #1 top pick for the best condensate goes to the Little Giant 55415.
This 1/50-HP condensate pump can remove up to 65-gallons of water per hour and has 3 inlet drain ports so you can connect three different appliances to the pump.
The Little Giant 554415 can be used for a furnace, A/C, dehumidifier, or condensing boiler. It can also handle high acidic condensate from high-efficiency furnaces.
It comes with a safety switch that can be wired to automatically turn off the A/C or to an alarm in case of an overflow.
Pick #2: Little Giant VCL-24ULS
Best High Capacity
The VCL Series is a power-packed option by LITTLE GIANT with a whopping 270-GPH rating for maximum condensate discharge.
It includes a 1-gallon tank, state-of-the-art features, and a well-designed look.
It’s ideal for residential properties and quietly removing condensate without hurting the HVAC system’s overall performance.
The VCL Series is a power-packed option by LITTLE GIANT offering a 1-gallon tank, state-of-the-art features, and a well-designed look.
It’s ideal for residential properties and quietly removing condensate without hurting the HVAC system’s overall performance.
It comes with all the necessary equipment and offers a straightforward installation process for those requiring a seamless addition to their room.
Pick #3: Beckett BK171UL
Best Mid Capacity
The Beckett A/C Condensate Pump is a new addition to the company’s top-tier line of medium-sized pumps with a 112-GPH pump rating (at 1-foot of lift).
It is designed in accordance with modern safety standards and remains engineered to uphold user-friendly requirements.
The pump has a unique design with Beckett’s patented look and promises to offer a quiet addition to the room.
The pump includes an all-encompassing dual-float design to improve the system’s quality, durability, and consistency.
Pick #4: Little Giant VCMX-20ULST
Best For Tight Spaces
The VCMX Series by LITTLE Giant is our top pick for condensate pumps that are perfect for tight spaces.
It features a low profile water tank with rubber feet that makes it an easy install when the space is small.
This pump is all about using automated removal features to push moisture away from the A/C unit using its patented mechanisms.
This line of condensate pumps is all about a high-performance motor, top safety standards, and quiet operation.
The VCMX Series by LITTLE Giant is all about using automated removal features to push moisture away from the A/C unit using its patented mechanisms.
This line of condensate pumps is all about a high-performance motor, top safety standards, and quiet operation.
Our #1 Top Pick: The Little Giant VCMA-15ULST
Our overall top pick goes to the Little Giant VCMA-15ULST. Here's why...
#1. 65-GPH Rating
This condensate is the perfect pump size for most HVAC systems and will discharge up to 65 gallons of water per hour.
#2. Safety Switch
This Little Giant pump can be wired to your A/C or furnace so it will shutoff the system if there is a malfunction with the pump. It can also be wired to a separate alarm instead of the HVAC system if you wish.
#3. Long 20-Ft Drain Line
This condensate pump includes a really long vinyl drain line to fit almost any HVAC system configuration.
Final Thoughts
Condensate pumps are an essential piece of equipment if you can't gravity drain your AC, furnace, boiler, mini split, swamp cooler, or dehumidifier.
Remember to pick the right sized pump for your household which is rated in GPH (gallons per hour).
Sum up the max water volume of the appliances you plan on discharging to the condensate pump — it shouldn't exceed the manufacturer GPH rating.
I hope you enjoyed this guide from Home Inspector Secrets.
