Air Handler In Attic Dripping Water
If the drain pipe is blocked it could cause water to leak from your ac.
Air handler in attic dripping water. Water is forming in the indoor central ac unit one of the jobs an air conditioner does is pull the humidity out of the air. A dirty air filter blocks airflow over the evaporator coil. This humidity is left behind in the form of condensation on the coils. Blockage in the drain pipe the water in your air conditioner travels to the drain pan via a complex system of drain pipes.
The collected water then drips down the fins and into a lower collection pan. The secondary drain pan safety switch cuts off the air conditioner if the water level gets too high in the secondary drain pan so it does not cause water damage to your home. It is code in many states to have a secondary drain pan and secondary drain pan safety switch installed on all attic air handlers and furnaces. Improper installation if your air conditioner is relatively new and leaks a lot of water it is most likely due to an installation issue.
An air handler that is leaking water on the floor may be the result of a few issues. Over time algae can grow inside of this drain line causing backups or clogs. There are several components to the air conditioning system that may be contributing to the fact that your condensate line is clogged. Sometimes when systems are installed in these areas problems with the condensate drain can cause water to overflow from the drip pan and into the air ducts or air vents.
A malfunction anywhere in this system can cause an air handler to not dispose of water properly and result in water overflowing onto the floor. Also it is possible for dirt or debris to become lodged inside. From this pan the water is sent outdoors through a pipe. The blower fan pulls air from the interior space and passes it across the cooling evaporative coil.
Central air conditioners dispose of hot air and condensation outside the home. When that happens the evaporator coil gets too cold and freezes over. The drain pipe is clogged. If water is dripping from your ceiling and your furnace and or air handler is located in the attic the most likely cause is a clogged condensate drain line.
The blower inside the unit pulls the hot and humid air in the hot air travels through the return grill then over the cold evaporator coil to cool it down. When there is water buildup in your air handler drip pan the first place to look is to a clogged condensate line. As the air passes over the colder metal moisture in the air will condense on the cooling fins. A clogged condensate drain line can occur for a few reasons but especially if your air conditioning system is installed in the attic or on an upper level in your home.
As air passes over the evaporator coils in your air conditioner it cools down and loses some of its humidity. A clogged drain pipe is the most common cause of standing water in the drain pan. Check your air filter to see if it s dirty and change it if needed.