Air Handler In Attic Dripping Water

As air passes over the evaporator coils in your air conditioner it cools down and loses some of its humidity.

Air handler in attic dripping water.

Water is forming in the indoor central ac unit one of the jobs an air conditioner does is pull the humidity out of the air. When there is water buildup in your air handler drip pan the first place to look is to a clogged condensate line. It is code in many states to have a secondary drain pan and secondary drain pan safety switch installed on all attic air handlers and furnaces. Over time algae can grow inside of this drain line causing backups or clogs.

As the air passes over the colder metal moisture in the air will condense on the cooling fins. The blower fan pulls air from the interior space and passes it across the cooling evaporative coil. Water is produced as a byproduct of the cooling system and typically drains away from the house through a hose or pipe. A dirty air filter blocks airflow over the evaporator coil.

Also it is possible for dirt or debris to become lodged inside. Check your air filter to see if it s dirty and change it if needed. Improper installation if your air conditioner is relatively new and leaks a lot of water it is most likely due to an installation issue. Blockage in the drain pipe the water in your air conditioner travels to the drain pan via a complex system of drain pipes.

The collected water then drips down the fins and into a lower collection pan. There are several components to the air conditioning system that may be contributing to the fact that your condensate line is clogged. Central air conditioners dispose of hot air and condensation outside the home. A clogged drain pipe is the most common cause of standing water in the drain pan.

Sometimes when systems are installed in these areas problems with the condensate drain can cause water to overflow from the drip pan and into the air ducts or air vents. If water is dripping from your ceiling and your furnace and or air handler is located in the attic the most likely cause is a clogged condensate drain line. The secondary drain pan safety switch cuts off the air conditioner if the water level gets too high in the secondary drain pan so it does not cause water damage to your home. This humidity is left behind in the form of condensation on the coils.

The blower inside the unit pulls the hot and humid air in the hot air travels through the return grill then over the cold evaporator coil to cool it down. When it melts it drips an excess amount of water that the pan may not be able to handle. When that happens the evaporator coil gets too cold and freezes over. If the drain pipe is blocked it could cause water to leak from your ac.

However the simplest answer may not always be the only answer. From this pan the water is sent outdoors through a pipe. An air handler that is leaking water on the floor may be the result of a few issues.