my ac unit is sweating

Sign up or log in to customize your list. Here's how it works: Anybody can ask a question The best answers are voted up and rise to the top I noticed my furnace sweating a couple days ago. It's hot and humid where I live so I was only mildly concerned. It was a high of 74F today with humidity around 70% which is, relatively, nothing. My thermostat keeps the house around 72F. Lately, I've noticed that my A/C is running 90% of the time (a lot), but chalked it up to this being the hottest month. Side of Furnace with Sweat Drops Good Size Water Trail on Floor Two Small Streams Coming from the Other Side It looks slightly kinked, but has been that way since before the summer. I don't know what the blue tube is. Just for Fun: This is How the Condensation Line Connects to the Main Sewer Line :DWhat could be causing this? I've researched online and found some informal sources that say something in the airflow is being blocked/clogged somewhere...
Edit in Reply to @Tester101's Questions in the Comments: The System as A Whole At the bottom of that "V", where the grey and off-white metal meet, is where Picture #1 above was taken. Inside the Upper Front Panel I think this section only has to do with heating, but I don't know if you guys see anything useful. It looks like I can unscrew that entire rear side, but I won't do that unless necessary. There is also a smaller panel in the top of the photo. Should I open that? There are two main contributing factors at play here. First and most importantly, the evaporator is getting too cold. The other problem is only a problem, because the first problem is a problem. And that is, that the humidity in the basement may be too high. What's happening, is that the box that contains the evaporator is getting too cold. Once it cools below the dew point, it causes the moisture in the air around it to condense. To solve the issue, you're going to have to figure out why the evaporator is getting so cold.
My first guess, would be that the system is not charged to the proper level. Specifically, in this case I think it may be undercharged. Though, you may also see this if it was overcharged. However, since it sounds like it hasn't always been a problem, I'd suspect the system developed a leak. To test this, you're going to need a set of gauges. split ac with 2 indoor units in indiaIf you don't have a set; outside ac unit contactoror don't know how to use them, you're going to want to contact a local HVAC company.gibson window unit air conditioners If not enough air is moving through the coils, the little bit of air that is there could be getting too cold. Check the filter, to make sure it's clean. Check the evaporator coils, to make sure they are clean.
These are the two most common causes of restricted air flow. Additionally, make sure registers and returns are open and unobstructed. If your system has a multi-speed blower motor, make sure it's set to run at the manufacturer's recommended speed. If it's really hot outside, and your system is running almost constantly. It could just be that the evaporator doesn't have time between cycles to warm up. If this is only a problem when it's abnormally hot outside, it could be "normal" for that situation. Typical A/C systems are designed to cool between 20-30°F, anything beyond that and they'll struggle to keep up. If everything is operating normally, but the system just happens to be in an area where the humidity is high. It might be a good idea to insulate the system, especially in the area around the evaporator. This is common when the equipment is installed in unconditioned spaces (attics, garage, crawlspace, etc.), but if your basement has moisture problems, it might be required there too.
If the moist air cannot get to the cold metal, the moisture in the air will not condense. However, if the now insulated system gets too cold, you could have problems with the evaporator freezing. So I'd only install insulation, if I was sure the system was operating normally. Sign up or log in Sign up using Google Sign up using Email and Password Post as a guest By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service. Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged hvac condensation or ask your own question. HomeSpec Certified Inspections, Inc. Providing inspections throughout Southwest Florida. Call or text: (941) 270-1349 Fla License # HI959 Need a home inspection in Maryland? listing of Maryland certified home inspectors. find a home inspector anywhere in the world with our inspection Re: Sweating air handler Dave Fetty Certified Professional Inspector Florida Home Inspection And Property Services LLC
Naples, Marco Island, Ft. Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral ITC/FLIR Level I Building Investigation Thermographer FL Certified Building Contractor CBC034303 FL Certified Home Inspector HI 391 FL Certified Mold Assessor MRSA 589 Yea, I explained the unit might need more insulation but it was only an educated guess and to get a HVAC tech to confirm and or recommend the fix. Originally Posted by tmiller2 I can not see from here but if you think about what you are asking (what causes condensation) that is your answer the air temp is lowered to dew point and if it is making contact with the outer surface of the AHU it will condense out. You did not say if the unit was a down flow, a upflow or horizontal flow just that it was hanging from the ceiling. It would ber most helpful to know what area of the furnace has the condensation the coil box, I can not image the return air section having any condensation the temp is to high Master HVAC Mechanic Retired
Level III Thermographer # 8486 Infraspection Institute CMI Certified Master Inspector Moisture Intrusion Expert Witness Serving Gainesville Florida and surrounding areas.Deus solus me iudicare potest Originally Posted by frotteHowever if they restricted the air over the coils as in blocking of some of the registers and or bad or clogged filters that will freeze it up as well. Justin, that just makes too much sense. and your post did not include the phase of the moon! "working together to get-IR-done" Chris Walsh David A. Andersen & Associates Clarksville - Nashville Home Inspector Lic#40 ITC Level III Thermographer Cert#1958 Building Science Thermographer Cert#33784 HVAC Certification EPA Cert#2046620 Were your clients with you during their inspection? I just find it odd people, knowing how long you examined systems, the conditions of the weather outdoors, and everything else short term - would call you back, wanting what exactly?