It’s normal for AC to have condensation, especially during hot months. Condensation tends to build up on the AC units and vents. It mainly features tiny drops on the surface of the AC. So, what causes excess condensation from the air conditioner?
Condensation happens when the evaporator’s coil cools the warm air that passes over it. The air passing near the coil has moisture in it, which then cools to form tiny droplets. After settling in the evaporator coils, all that condensed water drips into a drain pan, then to the condensate drain line to end up outside your home.
If the process goes as expected, your AC should continue functioning as expected. Look at the following parts when experiencing excessive condensation from air conditioning
- Filter
- Condensate line
- Refrigerant levels
- Drain pump
- Condensate pan
Dirty Filter
The last thing you want, especially during the summer, is a faulty AC filter. The best way to prevent that from happening is to schedule frequent maintenance checks. One of the essential parts to target during maintenance is the filter. You can read more here to learn what kind of services you’ll receive.
Depending on how dirty it is, a filter requires frequent replacing or cleaning. When the filter is dirty, evaporator coils freeze only to release a lot of water after thawing. Excess condensation like this can destroy the unit.
It’s all preventable by changing the filters at least every three months. Cleaning or replacing the filters eliminates the bacteria and specks of dust in it. It’s imperative to eliminate the dirt that could block air from getting to the evaporator coil.
Clogged Condensate Line
The condensate line plays a significant role in checking the level of condensation in AC. You might get the chance to unclog a clogged condensate line in time by having regular checks on it. Before installing AC, it’s important to anticipate that you will experience the problem of a clogged condensate line at one time.
The condensate line gets clogged with things like dirt, mold, and dirt. When this happens, it gets in the way of the desired performance. Excess water droplets start to gather and end up flooding the AC unit. A technician knows what to do to get the condensate line running again.
Leaked Refrigerant
The proper amount of refrigerant ensures that the air coming out is at the appropriate temperature. Sometimes it’s impossible to note when the refrigerant leaks. Keep in mind that refrigerant leaking can lead to poisoning, which can be detrimental to your health.
When there is a refrigerant leak, it causes the pressure in the AC unit to drop. The result is that the evaporator coils freeze, leading to excess condensation thawing at once. Regular inspections will let you know if there are any refrigerant leaks.
If you want to stay ahead of any problems, you can stay alert for any changes in the system. For instance, listen for unusual sounds from the AC unit like hissing or bubbling. Warm air from the AC is also an indicator of leaking refrigerant.
Faulty Drain Pan
The most common thing that makes the drain faulty is when it rusts. It takes about 15 years for rust to start registering in a drain pan. When it starts to disintegrate, the drain may develop cracks and holes. However, you can catch it on time since rust is easy to recognize.
A faulty drain pan cannot hold condensation droplets from the evaporator. In that event, water runs freely in the unit. However, all that excess condensation can be taken care of by replacing a rusty drain pan.
Problematic Condensate Pump
The sole purpose of a condensate pump is to ensure that collected condensed water makes it outside. When the condensate pump starts to malfunction, the unit tends to retain water. There is potential for all that extra moisture to destroy your AC unit.
Also, all the excess water from the unit could eventually flood from patches of water in your home. Mold and mildew will then start to grow. The best way out of that situation is to have the pump repaired.
Problems That Can Result From Excess Condensation from AC
It is essential to take control of heavy condensation from the air conditioner. Your priority should be to call in a technician as quickly as possible. Doing so will help reduce the amount of damage that excess condensation could cause in your home.
Here are the problems that could start from excess condensation.
Water Damage In Your Home
As a homeowner, you will likely have your unit installed in a part of your home that you are least likely to frequent. If it is indoors, then there is a likelihood that excess condensation will cause plenty of damage.
You might realize what is happening when it’s too late. For example, your ceiling is likely to soak and rot from moisture exposure. Frequent inspections in your unit could reveal condensation issues on time.
Mold and Mildew Growth
With excess condensation comes increased humidity within your home. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions. Their presence can bring about a series of respiratory disorders. That’s why it’s vital to do away with moisture to prevent mold growth.
Malfunctioning AC unit
Manufacturers include a shutdown switch in AC in case of excess humidity. Leaving your AC unit idle after shutting down due to excess condensation could result in mold growth inside it.
If your AC shuts off automatically due to excess condensation, there’s hardly much you can do about it except call a technician. The AC should be back up and running once the technician addresses the issue.
Final Word
Now you know what causes excessive condensation from air conditioning.
Excess condensation from AC is an easily fixable issue. As a homeowner with an active AC unit in your home, the best thing you can do is shave a technician to perform regular checkups on it. Make sure you know how much condensation to label as excess from the technician. Watch out for signs that you might have excess condensation issues.