Condensation in Duct Work: My Air Conditioner Is Not Working

7:30 PM Moms Daily Tips

Central air conditioners can be a cost effective way to keep the temperature down inside while the summer blazes outside. When they go wrong, however, central air conditioners can cause water damage and even harbor dangerous mold and mildew. When condensation is present in the ductwork of a central air conditioner, there are a few potential issues to check for.

Central air conditioners produce condensation as a byproduct of their cooling method due to the humidity in the air. She just cut her electricity bill to 60%, click here to read. Air conditioners pull air in from the home, through a filter, and blow it across cold copper coils filled with refrigerant. These coils "sweat" the humidity in the air just as a cold glass of water sweats in a hot room. This sweat, or condensation, is drained from the coils and dumped outside the home, thereby reducing indoor humidity and improving comfort.

One potential cause of condensation in a central air conditioner's ductwork is a dirty filter. When a filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, the air conditioner cannot pull in sufficient air to keep the system cycling and running efficiently. The air that is expelled from the system, through the ducts and registers, is therefore more humid than it should be. Over time, condensation can build up in low points in the duct work and even drip from registers. Clean or replace the filter and dry the ductwork, replacing any ducts that show signs of mold or mildew growth.

The condensation pan that catches water dripping from the coolant coils can become clogged, which frequently happens when an air conditioner has not been serviced recently or when it has been run without a filter for a prolonged period. Hair and other debris from the home clog the pan and do not allow water to drain, reducing the air conditioner's ability to dehumidify and leading to humid air being circulated back into the home. Clean the pan and ensure it is draining properly before turning your unit back on.

The condensation in the condensation pan is pumped to a floor drain or outside gutter by way of a condensation pump, which turns on when water is present in the condensation pan and pushes it out through a length of PVC or hose and safely away from the system. If the condensation pump is not functioning, or is beginning to fail, water may be backing up in the condensation pan with no obvious sign of a clog. Pour some water into the condensation pan to see if it drains away. If it does not, and the pump does not power on, it needs replacing.

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