Can HVAC Condensation Harm Your Unit in Hot Weather?

As your air conditioner cools, it also removes moisture from your home's air, collecting it as HVAC condensation on the coils and then expelling it from the home via a drain line. During routine maintenance, your HVAC tech will explain why it's important that HVAC condensation be properly removed from your home. Otherwise, excessive HVAC condensation can cause major damage not only to your HVAC unit but also to your home. 

Causes of Condensation Problems

  1. Copper Pipes Sweating. The copper pipes that form the AC suction line must be covered with black insulation known as Rubatex pipe insulation. If this insulation is torn or somehow doesn't cover the suction line, the pipes will sweat. The line must have a sealed vapor barrier to work correctly.

  2. Ductwork Needs a Vapor Barrier. This refers to the insulation around the ductwork that connects the supply air to the air handler. This so-called "transition" needs a vapor barrier to work properly.

  3. The Condensation Drain Pan Is Clogged or Has a Hole. This is the system through which the condensation drains away. It should be checked yearly for holes or clogs in the drain or other obstructions in the pan. The HVAC tech may use bleach or some other treatment to ensure that the drain line is clear. A clog can cause the pan to overflow, resulting in water damage. Also, the AC will not cool the home properly if the line is clogged. 

  4. Dirty Air Filter. Changing the air filter as often as recommended, or whenever it's dirty, is key to the optimum performance of your AC. If the filter is clogged, it will slow down the movement of air in the equipment and the AC will not cool properly. In addition, there will be more wear on the HVAC parts and a higher likelihood of a breakdown.

  5. Drain Slope. Construction projects can shift things around on your property. For instance, the air handler might be lower than the drain line. The line should downslope away from the air handler.

For more on HVAC condensation, contact Air Assurance, serving the greater Broken Arrow area.