Here in the United States, anyone who has experienced the sweltering heat of our most humid states knows that a comfortable house is a house with working air conditioning. These machines work hard throughout the summer to ensure that we don’t have to sweat. At least, not until we leave the house, anyway.
Your AC unit sweats too, resulting from condensation forming on the evaporator inside the boxed unit. Maybe you’re concerned about the amount of water exiting the pipe on the back of your house? Whatever is causing you to wonder why you have HVAC condensation, we’re here to help you.
What causes condensation to form on air conditioners?
Just like water droplets forming on a cold glass of lemonade, your AC can begin forming water droplets on its interior cooling unit – this is condensation. As the AC operates, it passes warm air over its evaporator, absorbing the heat from the air. At the same time, the change in temperature from warm air to cold surface causes condensation to form. This condensation will be collected in the systems drain pan and expelled through the condensate drain line in regular operation.
With higher humidity levels, more condensate will be produced. Just like when you take a hot shower, the warm water vapor will form condensation on cool surfaces in your bathroom.
What common system issues can result in condensation?
There are many potential causes for condensation on your AC unit, many of which require an AC / HVAC specialist. Here are some of the top reasons:
1. Condensate pan problems
The condensate pan should collect water and send it out via the AC drain line. However, the condensate pan can crack over time, leading to leakage within the unit and home.
2. Blocked or damaged condensate line
A build-up of residues from bacteria and algae can cause a line to become blocked. Build-ups are not uncommon and can be prevented with the use of an HVAC Chlorinator. The HVAC Chlorinator (shown in image below) provides a constant mixture of chlorinated water in your drain line killing algae and other drain line blockers! It can be purchase on Amazon or Ebay!
3. Broken condensate pump
If your system is below ground, i.e., in a basement, a pump will be required to remove the condensation. If this breaks, the water will be trapped in your AC unit and will quickly overwhelm it and cause water damage to the surroundings.
What is a condensate drain line?
An AC condensate line (also called an AC drain line) does an essential job of collecting and removing moisture from your AC unit. A pipe is run from your AC and out of your home, usually through the nearest wall. The line is generally made from PVC. They provide a route for water that has been collected within the system to flow to the outside easily.
It is perfectly normal to see water dripping from the pipe; this shows that the system is working. When an AC / HVAC is working hardest, you might notice a steady flow, as several gallons per day can be discharged from the pipe.
Can condensation damage my AC unit?
Condensation is a normal part of the AC operating process. It should be collected via the drip pan and removed via the AC condensate line. However, if you notice excess condensation, such as ‘sweat’ on the ducts and moisture forming the outside of the unit, you may have a problem. As we mentioned above, hard-working AC units can create gallons of condensation per day, so an internal leak can quickly damage the unit and surrounding areas. The use of an HVAC Chlorinator will ensure you will not have any blockages resulting in a leak and damage to your home.
Conclusion
Condensation is a normal part of the AC process, but it should be collected and discharged from your home. If you discover that you have a problem with your ac system, or water flowing from the AC unit into your home, have an HVAC Chlorinator installed to ensure that you can enjoy an uninterrupted supply of cool air this summer.