hvac ductwork sweating like crazy!

jarheadoo7 · 07-26-2011, 06:31 AM

Our unit is fairly new probally under 7 years old..(ill get specs when I get home if needed).

Its been well over 85 these past few days with the a/c on and working most of the day i noticed the bathroom wall which has a duct running to the upstairs bedroom.. damp with moisture.. only the width of the AC ductwork..

i went into the basement and all the dusctwork was sweating and moist.. then i noticed water leaking from the underside of the unit to the floor drain.

the condensation pump is working as I witnessed it pump several times..

i just dont know where to start.. i have the unit off for the time being.. i removed the filter and there was water dripping on the inside

any advice?

jarheadoo7 · 07-31-2011, 07:58 PM

spoke to an hvac guy about this issue he said its pretty normal whn you leave the doors open on a 100 degree high humidity day w the air on to experience what i described...

Doc Holliday · 07-31-2011, 09:39 PM

In no way shape or form should any duct work under ANY circumstance ever condensate. You have a serious problem which is going to lead to mold throughout your home.

The cool air produced from inside your unit which is traveling through your ducts should be insulated to protect it against ever meeting the warm air surrounding it, why duct work is insulated in the first place.

hvac122 · 07-31-2011, 09:48 PM

If you had the doors open as said it will sweat. Did you have the doors open?

Doc Holliday · 07-31-2011, 11:22 PM

The door being open went right in one eye and right out the other, but I'm still not convinced completely that that should happen.

jarheadoo7 · 08-02-2011, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Holliday

In no way shape or form should any duct work under ANY circumstance ever condensate. You have a serious problem which is going to lead to mold throughout your home.

The cool air produced from inside your unit which is traveling through your ducts should be insulated to protect it against ever meeting the warm air surrounding it, why duct work is insulated in the first place.

i dont think i have insulation surrounding my ducts..and i have torn open quite a few walls

Quote:

Originally Posted by hvac122

If you had the doors open as said it will sweat. Did you have the doors open?

well, not exactly a door but i did have a giant cavity in the wall where i was reframing and installing a window.. and the slider was partially open.

i havent had an issue since this incident

Doc Holliday · 08-02-2011, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarheadoo7

i dont think i have insulation surrounding my ducts..and i have torn open quite a few walls

well, not exactly a door but i did have a giant cavity in the wall where i was reframing and installing a window.. and the slider was partially open.

i havent had an issue since this incident

Can you take some pictures?

Ironlight · 08-02-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarheadoo7

i dont think i have insulation surrounding my ducts..and i have torn open quite a few walls

well, not exactly a door but i did have a giant cavity in the wall where i was reframing and installing a window.. and the slider was partially open.

i havent had an issue since this incident

The ductwork itself is likely insulated. It would not be visible the outside.

So you have not had an issue since the window was partially open? I think you have your cause then.

TomHarper · 08-02-2011, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Holliday

The door being open went right in one eye and right out the other, but I'm still not convinced completely that that should happen.

I agree. I'm skeptical.