Condensate dripping from evaporater coil

Originally Posted By: mpettitt
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Can anyone give me a clue as to why condensate would be dripping down from the center of the evaporator coil of the air handler. The unit had been running for more than an hour and condensate was observed running out from the exterior drain line (not clogged). The unit is a Rheem 97 model A/C split system and appears in very good condition (no rust). Thanks, Mike


Originally Posted By: pdacey
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it’s supposed to.


The coil is colder than the air being blown over it, any moisture in the air will condense or collect on the coil. When there is enough of it, it will drip into the pan below and run out the drain.


--
Slainte!

Patrick Dacey
swi@satx.rr.com
TREC # 6636
www.southwestinspections.com

Originally Posted By: mpettitt
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Patrick thanks for the quick reply. This unit sits on a wood framed cabinet in the garage opposite the interior of the home (common here). On the opposite side of the wall there is the main return register where I observed the dripping, there is no pan and the water is dripping down into the plenum insulation. Seems odd. Also the evaporator coil was very clean.


Originally Posted By: pdacey
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Mike,


I misunderstood your initial question. So you observed the condensate leaking out of the pan. There could either be a crack in the primary pan or the primary drain could be partially clogged. Either way I would recommend inspection by a licensed HVAC tech.


--
Slainte!

Patrick Dacey
swi@satx.rr.com
TREC # 6636
www.southwestinspections.com

Originally Posted By: mpettitt
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Patrick I’m sorry, sometimes not enough information is supplied. I’ll try to explain better. When you look up from the lower return plenum you can see the A-framed evaporator coil. The drip pans are off to the side to catch any condensate that would run down the coils. In this situation there seems to be more condensate than normal which is causing it to drip down from the under side of the apex of the Evap. coil straight down into the insulation. Hope this helps.


Thanks, Mike


Originally Posted By: rcooke
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mpettitt wrote:
Patrick I'm sorry, sometimes not enough information is supplied. I'll try to explain better. When you look up from the lower return plenum you can see the A-framed evaporator coil. The drip pans are off to the side to catch any condensate that would run down the coils. In this situation there seems to be more condensate than normal which is causing it to drip down from the under side of the apex of the Evap. coil straight down into the insulation. Hope this helps.
Thanks, Mike

Sounds like the coil could be dirty Dog Hair etc. .
This could give the condensate a place to get off, easier then following the usual route?
Is this possible?


--
Roy Cooke Sr.

http://Royshomeinspection.com

Originally Posted By: mpettitt
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No the coil is very clean.


Originally Posted By: rcooke
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mpettitt wrote:
No the coil is very clean.

How about a damaged fin?


--
Roy Cooke Sr.

http://Royshomeinspection.com

Originally Posted By: mpettitt
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Roy, thats possible but I’m back at the office now and cannot go back to verify. I guest I’ll have to just write it up as it is. Thanks for all the help, both of you. Mike


BTW any thoughts on my other post concerning Over sized A/C.