Hvac Condensation In Attic
This article discusses the inspection and repair or un clogging of condensate disposal systems including air conditioning heat pump or condensing boiler furnace condensate drains condensate pumps and their proper installation as part of our review of condensate piping traps drains.
Hvac condensation in attic. What you see is condensation also known as ductwork sweating. What causes duct condensation. Sometimes attic condensation is the result of an attic being improperly ventilated. As the humidity level rises outdoors condensation will gradually begin to form on the surface of your air conditioning ducts.
Attic hvac units are potentially inefficient. In order to boost air flow one can install an attic fan. In this blog we ll be talking about the importance of installing condensate drain lines correctly so the system doesn t cause damage to your customer s home. Whenever there is a contact between the hot humid air and cold metal surface then there will be sweating or condensation on the metal surface so it is very important to have a proper insulation for the air handler ducts in case the portion of the duct is coming in contact with the unconditioned air outside.
By the time the hvac unit gets planned putting it in the attic is the only thing that makes sense especially cost wise. When the hot humid attic air contacts the cold duct or the cold duct boot the moisture in the air condenses on the cold surface just like the condensation that happens on a cold can of beer. It does not necessarily mean that your a c system is in trouble but it may still be something that requires your attention. Residential hvac installers have to understand so many facets of the construction industry.
In the attic i always recommend a float switch installed in the secondary air conditioning condensation drain pan. Adding a few vents to the floor of the attic that extend to the ceiling of the story below the attic can help to promote air flow within the attic. This air flow can cut down on condensation. There are two main ways to solve this problem.
Correct installation of condensate drain lines. Sometimes the hvac system winds up in the attic because it s the last thing on the home designer s list. If the secondary condensation pan fills the float switch will rise and cut the whole air conditioning unit off. First water dripping off of your ducts and onto your insulation can cause the insulation to compress which decreases it s r value or ability to insulate.
When water condenses and drips into your attic or home it can cause a some serious secondary problems. You may need more duct or attic insulation in order to solve the problem. Improper or no insulation of ducts. The air in your vented attic is hot and humid just like all outdoor air in florida.
Codes installation leaks clogs connections troubleshooting repair. A c condensate drains pumps. The simple physics behind sweating is.