Excessive AC Condensation Problem This morning's Warranty Inspection had a situation I have not encountered before and I would like some input on it. The weather this morning was low 80s with scattered rain. It has been a particularly wet and humid summer here. When I walked in I noticed that it was pretty cold in the house. My wife likes to keep it pretty cool at home so I am used to 74 or so temps. This was uncomfortably COLD to me. When I got to the thermostat it was holding steady at 65. When I got to the attic to look at the unit, I noticed a lot of moisture on the decking all along the primary condensate trap and line. Then I saw a pool of water on the top of the furnace housing. Looking further there was water in the secondary/emergency drain pan. Then I noticed moisture at the supply plenum. There was moisture on the top at some of the duct connections (they were pretty well installed with mastic) and some moisture on the decking under the plenum. As I bent down to look closer under the plenum I noticed that the bottom panel of the plenum was bowed out.

I touched it and my finger went straight through and a stream of water flowed out. The material was completely saturated. I brought the homeowner up to the attic and explained the moisture problems to him and put a bucket under the plenum. mr. slim air conditioning unitsI asked if they always kept the thermostat set at 65. hissing sound from ac unitThe answer was yes.5 ton ac unit 14 seer I would love some input on this problem/situation. I told him that due to the low temperature they are maintaining, they are creating excessive condensation, as well as apparently creating condensation inside the plenum and perhaps even the ductwork. That he should have everything checked by a licensed HVAC guy and discuss with him whether there are any modifications they can add or incorporate that will allow them to cool the house that much, without these problems developing.

I also suggested that he have a mold sampling done. As it seems that this is a perfect environment and has been present for months. Are there any methods that can be incorporated to remove moisture and allow them to run the system that low? It seems to me that even if you get the moisture out of the conditioned air, you cant do anything about the 140 degree high humidity air of the attic surrounding all the ductwork and plenum's. I have attached some pictures, but it is hard to see the moisture and problems. Re: Excessive AC Condensation Problem That is what I thought too. The primary drain was drain fine, you could hear it and I could confirm it with my IR. I din't even ask what their electric bill was. But, as you said the system was just so cold, that everything around the evaporator, located up in the hot, humid attic was condensing out water. They are going to get it checked out. I told them, and think they understand, that I believe it was more of a usage outside of normal parameters problem than a installation problem.

I willcheck back with them later and see what the HVAC guy says. BB code is On [IMG] code is On Plumbing problem at home. Light Bulbs- All Ya Wanna Know Condensation Line Drainage Problem Frost, Ice, & Condensation @ RIM JOISTDuring the summer months, Sacramento HVAC systems are put to the test. Air conditioning is used 24/7—cooling hot exterior air into a livable interior temperature giving us a nice respite. But AC systems are working overtime to make our lives comfortable. Condensation on the outside of AC ductwork is not uncommon. There are a variety of reasons that condensation occurs but 'sweating' is not always a cause for concern. Often some basic precautions can be taken to resolve the problem. Some are DIY solutions, others can quite easily be done by a professional Sacramento AC company. Below are a few of the most common causes for condensation on ductwork and how they can be remedied. One of the main causes for condensation on air conditioning ductwork is when the outside of ductwork is cooled down and makes contact with warmer, more humid outside air.

This is common especially in attics and crawl spaces, which can very easily reach high temperatures during the summer. Proper attic ventilation is key. This warmer air is quickly cooled down below its dew point when it makes contact with the outside of the duct, which instantly turns it into the beads of moisture that are so common on the outside of ductwork. The solution to this problem is often as simple as improving the ventilation in the crawl space around the ductwork. Sometimes, when new systems are installed, pipes venting to an attic may not be properly sealed.  A small opening that allows warmer to come in contact with cool ducts causes the condensation to form. Fixing the problem might be as simple as sealing areas where exterior air is coming into the area where the main AC system is housed. Great Stuff is a handyman's dream when sealing these areas. A lack of proper insulation around AC ductwork is another main cause for condensation. The best way to fix this issue is to add a vapor barrier to the outside of ductwork, followed by a layer of insulation that will increase the overall outside temperature of a duct to something that is closer to the outside air temperature.

Because the range in the temperature of the outside of the duct and the surrounding air is smaller, condensation is less likely. Most AC ducts are initially installed with a layer of insulation, but this insulation often needs to be repaired or replaced from time to time. These are just a couple of the main things that can create condensation on AC ductwork. As long as ductwork has a proper level of ventilation around it and a layer of insulation, any duct can remain condensation free and result in better air conditioning, reduced utility costs and a healthier home. If you notice condensation and not sure of the cause, we're happy to help. Contact our experienced HVAC Sacramento team to help you with any of your air conditioning needs. I thought I remember being told that water should drip (condensation) from the bottom pvc that comes out of the house but it should never drip from the top pvc. I thought he told me that if it dripped from the top it meant the "pan" was full and needed to be emptied.

I was told recently that it's normal for them to both drip some because of the humidity right now. I'm not sure which answer is correct and if there is something I need to do about it now. When the forced air unit is in the attic sometimes the condensation is drained into a normal interior drain and a second, outside drain is used for overflow. The overflow drain is in a visible place so you know that the main drain isn't working and you can fix it. In fact I had this very problem a few weeks ago. If you remember being told it should never drip from the upper drain, it sounds to me like it could be a secondary overflow drain. In that case it would be worth getting it checked out. if by "top" PVC you mean the PVC tube coming out of your house that corresponds to your upstairs AC unit, then yes, this is normal. all air conditioners pull water out of the air as they cool, and that water has to go somewhere. however, there is no definite answer we can give you because there are so many ways the condensate drain could be configured.