What Causes Excessive Condensation From Air Conditioning?

Your air conditioning system produces some condensation when it runs during the summer or in humid environments. That’s normal, and the system can handle it. Condensation that forms in your AC system drips into the drainage pan and then out of your house through the condensate drain line. 

Provided the system has no excess moisture buildup, you have no reason to worry. However, if you notice condensation dripping or flowing from your events or water puddling around your unit, you need help from an HVAC technician.

So, what causes excessive condensation from air conditioning? As seasoned AC experts, we discuss some of the most common causes of this issue. 

Watson Heating & Air provides reliable AC maintenance in Richmond and beyond. We strive to meet the highest industry standards at an affordable price. If you notice excess condensation from your AC unit, call us at (859) 625-0081 for dependable service. 

Causes of Excessive Condensation From AC Units

When you notice water leaking from the side of your cooling system or excess condensation blowing from your vents, common culprits include:

Clogged Condensate Drain Line 

Most AC system condensation issues stem from improper drainage. Failure to keep up with routine maintenance and cleaning may lead to drain line issues. For example, your condensate drain line may clog due to a buildup of dirt, mold, bacteria, and debris. 

This blocking causes water to back up elsewhere in your system. For example, your condensate pan may overflow and cause water to leak into your home. 

Dirty Air Filter 

A clogged air filter can restrict the flow of air throughout your AC unit, including your evaporator coil. Insufficient airflow may cause the evaporator coil to freeze and cause normal condensation to turn into ice. 

When the ice melts, it will drip into the condensate pan and probably overflow. Don’t forget to inspect your air filter at least every other month between tune-ups and clean or change it as necessary. 

Drain Pan Issues 

Your drain or condensation pan collects water from the evaporator coil before sending it to an external drain. If the drain pan warps, corrodes, or cracks, it can cause water to leak. Fortunately, drain pan issues only require simple repairs that your local AC expert can easily address. 

Low Refrigerant Levels 

Low refrigerant levels from a hidden leak or failure to top off refrigerant may lead to cooling system issues. Besides inefficient cooling, low refrigerant levels can lead to frozen evaporator coil issues. When the ice melts, the excess condensation may lead to a water leak. 

Broken Condensate Pump 

Homes with an air conditioner in the basement typically feature a condensate pump that removes water to a ground-level drain. If the pump breaks or develops issues, water will leak into the basement. 

Since you may not go into your basement every day, the excess water may cause significant property damage before you notice an issue. 

Problems Excess Condensation Can Cause for Your AC

Now that you know what causes excess condensation from air conditioning, it helps to understand the effects. Excess condensation issues require immediate attention. Left unaddressed, excess condensation can significantly impact your home in the following ways:

• Increased AC Repairs: Excess condensation may lead to corrosion and premature AC system degradation. The excess water can also overwhelm the drainage system and cause your entire system to shut down.
• Increased Humidity: An increase in condensation leads to an increase in moisture levels in the air, creating a conducive environment for mold and mildew to thrive. 
• Water Damage: When condensation ends up indoors instead of draining outside your house, it can cause significant water damage. 

How to Address Condensation in Your Air Conditioner 

When you notice symptoms of excess condensation from your AC unit, inspect it to see if you can pinpoint the issue. A clogged air filter should be easy to spot and fix right away. However, anything more complicated requires professional intervention. 

A seasoned HVAC contractor will use their expertise to get to the root of the problem and fix it before things get out of hand. 

Our AC Maintenance Service 

Our friendly HVAC contractors have experience providing top-notch maintenance and handling excess condensation issues. Avoid the temptation to fix the problem on your own, as it could lead to further system damage. 

Contact our experts for stress-free service from a local AC maintenance company that takes your comfort seriously. 

Contact Us Today for Richmond Air Conditioning Maintenance

Call Watson Heating & Air today at (859) 625-0081 for more information about what causes excessive condensation from air conditioning or to schedule AC maintenance to help your air conditioner keep up with the heat.