You have probably moved close to a high building on a hot day and experienced drips falling on your body from an HVAC system. While it’s absolutely normal outdoors, condensation on the HVAC in your house is a sign of an existing problem. Whether you observe an overflowing drip pan, notice a leaking AC vent, or wish to prevent potential water damage, it will be best to resolve the cause of the problem immediately. Fortunately, our HVAC repair experts from At Your Service Heating & Cooling LLC in Baltimore can guide you through the possible causes and the appropriate fixes of condensation from your AC.
Why Is There Condensation on My HVAC?
It is quite normal for an efficient HVAC system to develop some condensation. However, you should not observe excess condensation if your system is functioning well. If you notice too much condensation, there are several possible issues behind this problem. They include the following.
Dirty Air Filter
Cleaning and replacing AC air filters is a great maintenance routine for your HVAC system. Ignoring this practice allows your air filters to accumulate excess dirt and can lead to condensation on your AC unit. Generally, dirty air filters inhibit airflow and cause freezing on the evaporator coil. Afterward, ice on the coil melts and can make the drip pan overflow.
Clogged Drain
A clogged drain might cause excess condensation on your HVAC system. A drain line and condensate drain carry water from the drain pan to the house exterior. However, this line can fill with dirt, dust, pet hair, and mildew over time. Fortunately, an HVAC technician can affordably clean your clogged drain line during the annual AC tune-up.
Broken Drain Pan
A drain pan catches all condensation trickling from the evaporator coil, but that receptacle can warp or crack. In a conventional system, the metal drip pan may rust and corrode over time, causing cracks and leaks. If your drip pan is far from its normal shape, you may observe water that should be flowing to the condensate drain instead forming puddles in the wrong area.
Broken Condensate Pump
Air conditioners use gravity to convey condensation out of your system. If your AC unit is in the basement, you require a condensate pump to withdraw water. A faulty condensate pump will make condensation pour around your system. If you identify puddles and encounter cooling issues with the AC in your basement, there might be a problem with the pump.
Low Refrigerant Level
It is essential to note that there is a difference between AC refrigerant leaks and simple condensation, although there’s some connection between the two. If your AC refrigerant line breaks, the chemical cooling of the evaporator coil will start to falter. We commonly refer to this chemical as Freon, but its original name is R-22. In this scenario, you must hire a certified HVAC professional to address your refrigerant issue.
Excessive Condensation May Result in Further Complications
Keeping calm during a heat wave is always our top priority, but excess condensation can result in major problems. Here are some important reasons why you should resolve excessive condensation from your air conditioning unit immediately.
High AC Repair Costs
As with any appliance, ignoring issues in your HVAC system can trigger major problems afterward. A typical AC repair isn’t terribly costly, but you’ll incur far more expense if condensation causes corrosion. For instance, cleaning air filters is an easy and inexpensive procedure, but ignoring this maintenance may necessitate a new evaporator coil, and that component comes with a hefty price tag.
Water Damage to Your Property
Little water drips from your AC can induce mildew, mold, corrosion, and wood rot. In addition, they can peel off paint, destroy drywall, and later lead to structural damage. Water damage restoration costs between $4.00 and $7.50 per square foot, depending on the damaged area. For example, drywall repair might cost several hundred dollars, whereas mold restoration could cost several thousand.
High Humidity Level in Your Home
An efficient AC system manages moisture and temperature levels in your home. To prevent mildew, mold, and discomfort, you should maintain a humidity level below 60%. Accumulating condensation on your AC signals that it’s not optimizing humidity levels, and you may feel awkward even when staying close to your AC during a summer afternoon.
Fixing HVAC Condensation: 5 Tips to Prevent Leaks and Damage
Often, we ignore our HVAC systems until something seems out of place. You can prevent serious damage to your system by learning to observe symptoms of malfunction.
1. Identify Signs of a Condensate Line Leak
You may fail to notice air conditioner condensate line leaks because they are inside walls and low-traffic areas. Regrettably, high humidity levels and darkness around these lines can cause mold buildup. After mold accumulates, your HVAC system blows it into your home.
If your air conditioner sits in the attic, you might notice watermarks on your walls and ceiling. On the other hand, if it’s in the basement, you might spot a wet area on the floor, a damp carpet, or a faint smell.
If you identify any of these signs, call your air conditioning repair experts immediately to address the problem.
2. Examine Your Air Conditioner Condensate Line
You should inspect your air conditioner regularly and consider condensation as a sign that you have a problem. Always check for condensation each time you change your HVAC air filter.
First, look for moisture in the AC condensate line. Then, ensure water flows to the drain line in the subsequent months. The amount of water you will identify depends on the humidity in your house. Scheduling an annual AC tune-up will identify your problems and extend the life of your unit.
3. Ensure Your Condensate Line Is Installed Properly
An AC condensate line should run in a straight line, dropping about ⅛ inch after 12 inches for an optimum slope. If your line has 90-degree elbow connections, consider switching to 45-degree elbow connections for a smooth flow. You can address this problem with the help of a professional HVAC technician.
4. Clean Your Air Conditioner Condensate Line
You should clean your air conditioner line periodically. However, avoid doing this task on your own as you may expose your HVAC system to potential problems. Instead, hire an HVAC service company to clean it for you. Generally, an expert technician will check each part of your AC during routine maintenance.
5. Install Safety Switches
A safety switch turns off an AC unit when excess water is in the pan and condensation accumulates in the drain line. This action could save you from extensive water damage. If you don’t have a safety switch, consider calling a technician to install one. Conversely, trust an HVAC technician to regularly inspect the one you have and resolve any issues with your AC.
Reliable HVAC Repair Experts
At At Your Service Heating & Cooling LLC, we cater to all your heating and cooling needs from installation to maintenance and repair. All our technicians have the best training. We’ll carefully assess your problems and correct them for you. From delivering timely services and addressing your repair concerns to recommending appropriate upgrades, we have practical ways to enhance your overall comfort. We can take care of all your plumbing as well. Contact us today for an expert HVAC or plumbing assistance anywhere in Baltimore or the surrounding areas.
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