You may be concerned to find water exiting your HVAC system, but this may be totally normal. If the water is exiting through the correct channels, then there’s nothing to worry about, but if it’s not then it’s an indication that something has gone wrong somewhere in your system.
The Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line is a plastic pipe, typically PVC, on the exterior of your home. When your HVAC system is working to keep your house cool, humidity is produced which then turns into condensation. This would be an issue but, fortunately, the condensate drain line directs it outside and away from your home and the rest of the system.
This means that if your HVAC system is working properly, some water will exit it through the condensate pipe and, rather than being a cause for concern, it is in fact an indication that the system is operating as it should. The amount of water coming from this pipe is typically low, but it can increase and become more noticeable if your system is working hard during the hot summer months.
Water Exiting Elsewhere
Water exiting your HVAC system elsewhere is never a good sign, however, especially if it’s inside your home. There are a number of possible causes, but whatever the reason, water dripping from an AC vent or anywhere else in your system is something that should be addressed sooner rather than later.
This is because the presence of water where it shouldn’t be can lead to mold in the system, something which can have a negative impact on the health of you and your family. There’s also the possibility of water damage, which can develop over time even if the amount of water isn’t incredibly high at any one point.
Possible Causes
As mentioned previously, there are a number of potential causes, and whilst some can be easy to spot yourself, others can be harder to identify, which is why we always recommend getting a professional opinion if you have any doubts.
Dirt and Blockages
It may simply be that dirt or other external matter has built up in your system and is preventing it from functioning as it should. The condensate line can become blocked, causing condensation to settle elsewhere in the system or to begin to overflow into it. This may also be accompanied by a drop in your system’s performance or a pattern of frequent stopping and starting during use.
The air filter can also accumulate dirt, which hampers your system and can potentially lead to your system beginning to freeze up. If this happens, frost in the ducts can later melt and cause water to begin dripping from your vents. Excessive dirt on the evaporator coils can also lead to the same issue.
Damage, Wear and Tear, and Improper Fitting
Water coming out of your HVAC system could be indicative of a bigger problem, whether it’s in the form of condensation or not. If your system has been improperly installed or not put back quite right after a service, this can allow moisture to get into the system as well as cause other issues. It’s also possible that ducts and seals simply accumulate wear and tear over time, compromising your HVAC.
In the most extreme circumstances, some internal damage may have led to a refrigerant leak. Not only does this have a major negative impact on the performance of your system, but it can also be hazardous to your family’s health. This is one that you’ll almost certainly have to leave to the professionals.
What Should I Do Next?
If you have water coming out of your HVAC and you’re unsure of the cause or how to address it, contact Hoot Air and we’ll be happy to take a look. Once we’ve spoken to you and gained an understanding of the issues, we will be able to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote to get everything back working as it should be.
