We just moved into our new place. So many new things need to learn. Just like the problematic AC. My apologizes if I do not know the correct terminology for some of the parts. I will try my best though.
The air handler with evaporator was installed in a closet on the 2nd floor. The evaporator is at the bottom in the air handler unit. And there is a big hole on the floor plywood right underneath the air handler to let the return air come in.
So the problem we have is that if we run the A/C for about 1.5 to 2 hours, we can see water drips to the ceiling of the first floor. And there is a water mark on the ceiling. So I just drilled a hole and let the water run down to avoid further damage. And I also took a picture through the hole to see what is going on(the filter has been removed). I saw condensate forming on the bottom of the drain pan. I'm not sure if the coil sweating.
What I've found/tested are:
- The main drain pan seems working okay. I can see it catches water and
let it go away through the pipe to the drain-line. But the pan is
dirty. And it seems not overflowed. - Looks like there is no backup drain pan so the condensate drops
directly on the ceiling. - The filter is a washable filter and has been cleaned.
- Tried to put a dehumidifier in the closed but didn't help too much.
I'm not sure what I can do next to fix this problem permanently. I thought I should install a secondary pan and clean the coil regularly. Am I on the right path? If you get an idea, please let me know.
Best Answer
Any working coil is going to sweat, or it isn't working.
You need a pan or a properly ducted return that will catch the drips and protect the drywall, or a combination of both.
If it still functions, you only need a new coil if the drain tray is cracked. Even then, the pan itself might be a 'simple' replacement part.
"I read on the manufacturer's website (Bryant) that if the installation is on the first floor then a secondary drain pan must be installed." – Hemant Patel