What causes condensation in your Air Conditioning System?

Condensation can be found in both indoor and outdoor units and there are many reasons an air conditioning system may condensate, we hope this document assists in avoiding condensation in your air conditioning system long into the future. 

OUTDOOR UNITS

Running on the heating mode will create condensation at the outdoor unit. This is perfectly normal and as the unit is outside this doesn’t normally create a problem as it drains into the ground around the unit. At an additional cost, a drip tray can be supplied to sit the unit in and pipes can be run to drain the water away to a selected area such as a gutter, or storm water pipe. 

INDOOR UNIT

Water can be present if a drain becomes blocked or filters are not cleaned often. To avoid this from happening, we recommend having a qualified service technician perform a full comprehensive service to your system at a minimum of every 12 months. 

OUTLETS

Condensation can also be present around the outlets throughout the home. This can be caused by a window or door being left open nearby allowing warm, humid air into the space, when this meets with the cold air coming from the outlets, the moisture increases and can cause damage to paintwork around the outlet. This would be most often seen in Queensland around the high humid months of December – March. 

DRAIN CONNECTIONS

The evaporator coil up in the ceiling needs to be treated with care. If given a substantial knock or force it could come dislodged allowing water to drip into the ceiling and cause plaster or paint damage. This is most often caused by other trades working in or around the ceiling space, security installs, IT or TV installations, pest control or electrical works. It is important that these drains are carefully looked after as the ceiling space can be a tight area to work in. Additionally, mud wasps have a habit of using drains to build their homes, another reason to have your system serviced annually so the pipes can be cleaned out. 

DAMAGED DUCTING

The insulation around the ducting can become dislodged often by vermin (mice, rats, snakes etc) this can destroy the outer sheath/inner sheath of the ducting which allows the warm air in the roof space to mix with the cold air from the ducting causing condensation.

OPERATING TEMPERATURE

It is very important you operate your air conditioning system within it’s recommended range even when your system temperature is adjustable. We always recommend running your system on 24°C in summer within 1°C – 2°C if you run your system lower than it will increase the possibility of icing up the coil and water issues may show up. Similarly in winter, it is recommended to run your system on 20°C on heating this will be more than suitable to maintain a comfortable level within your home. 

SOME RECOMMENDATIONS TO YOU;

WHIRLY BIRDS / ROOF VENTILATION

Installing roof ventilation will reduce the heat load in your ceiling. Allowing your system to run more efficiently and increase airflow which can help minimise condensation from your air conditioning system. 

INSULATION

Installing insulation in your roof cavity is highly recommended either directly under the roof sheeting (anti-con) and or, on the ceiling itself. Insulation can make a considerable difference This will assist in minimising the hot air in the roof cavity entering your living space and will add to the efficiently to the overall system. 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

It is very important your air conditioning system is serviced every 12 months by our qualified service technicians so they can assess and check all the items listed above. As these outcomes are not covered by the install warranty and will incur a cost to repair or replace and further damage to walls or ceiling can be expensive to repair. 

Are you having troubles with condensation coming from your Air Conditioning unit? Please contact us on 07 3395 7633 to arrange a free quote or leave your details for a call back by clicking the link below.

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