Bleach or vinegar for AC line maintenance

[Bienes Raices]

I've heard from different people that you're supposed to pour either bleach or vinegar into the AC condensate line once a month to prevent backups. Which is safer for the line, and do you mix it with water or just pour it straight in? Thanks.

[James Townsend]

Either will work. The basic reason to pour those down the drain is to keep them from smelling, and to help keep them clean. Each will produce a light scent. You don't have to pour much down the drain, just enough to help clean it. You shouldn't have to dilute either, as they are both going to go into the drain system, and not the a/c system. You should do this roughly every 3 months or so, or more often if you smoke, have pets, or just have a high amount of dirt in your home. This will help keep the system smelling fresh.