Have you observed that a section of your air conditioning system or pipes is sweating and dripping water? You may be wondering why your air con is sweating inside. It is all about temperature and humidity when it comes to sweating pipes. Moisture is no mystery to your air conditioning system. Your air handler, in fact, extracts moisture from the air and pumps it away from your house.
Sweating in air handlers is a different story altogether. Condensation on the outer part of your air handler could be a symptom of a larger problem. Furthermore, excessive moisture can result in a plenum that is damaged, termites, or mold. If your air conditioner is sweating inside, the problem is likely with your air handler. The following are some of the problems that can occur in the air handlers that cause them to sweat inside.
1. Inappropriate Insulation or a Lack of It
Sweating is caused by an interaction between a cold metal surface and hot humid air, which results in perspiration or condensation on the metal surface. As a result, appropriate insulation for air handler ducts is critical in the event that a piece of the duct interacts with the unconditioned air outside.
2. Blocked Air Handler Drain Pipe
If the air handler drain pipe becomes clogged and/or the unit’s angle is incorrect, the cold water within will remain inside for longer, causing the air outside to sweat over the unit’s surface.
3. Leaking Ducts
Sweating will be more likely as a result of the chilly air leaking from the duct. You should be able to spot a noticeable leak by putting your hand there, or you can use a collection of pressure gauges for assistance.
4. Inappropriate Temperature Setting
There is a temperature under which condensation will begin for each relative humidity (RH) value. If you raise the temperature of the AC, the temperature of the return air will rise as well, reducing the probability of sweating at the AHU.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coils
The ice buildup on the evaporator will reduce the temperature locally at the air handler unit, potentially resulting in sweating.
6. Problems with Air Flow
If the airflow is impeded due to clogged filters or a blocked duct, or for any other cause, there is a probability of sweating. The air temperature falls below the dew point as the air movement is slowed, causing sweating. To fix the issue, you might consider replacing the filters or cleansing the air handler ducts.
Also, if your home’s air handler unit is located in the crawl space, effectively sealing the crawl space to stop humid outside air and/or ground moisture from entering will significantly help you minimize or eliminate sweating.
Final Word
Sweating is merely a sign of a broader problem in the HVAC system, but it is easy to mistake it for an issue with the diffuser because it starts in diffusers. It is critical to identify and treat the underlying causes of sweating. You will save money by avoiding the need for ceiling system modifications due to rusting and water damage.
