a/c issue

[MisterE]

Water is dripping inside the unit in the attic and going in the backup drip pan. This is the 2nd or 3rd year this happens and it is during this time of year when it runs a lot. It is not the drain clogged. i figured it out last year that it was water getting blown across the openning to the "squirrel cage" and dripping in the unit. I "rigged" a coat hanger with a small rope on it to "catch" the water being blown and to wick down into the actual pan inside the unit to drain thru the proper route. It worked and it dried up after doing this last year. Well i just see that it is doing the same thing again. I didnt go up there and see if the "fix" moved or broke or somehow isnt doing as it was last year. One other thing that has just recently started is the squirrel cage seems out-of-balance and there is some vibration going on up there.

When i called the ac guy last year, all he did was think the pan didnt have enough slope to it so he propped the unit up higher on cinder blocks and tilted it up a 2x4 on one side. This wasnt the problem as I found out later on with my "fix" mentioned above.

I am wondering if that unit should be replaced entirely or is there a way to get this thing from blowing water from the coil into the open air flowing to the squirrel cage? I am thinking the cage needs to be replaced or at least figure out why it is out of balance. Thoughts? Ideas?

[LarryP]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by MisterE &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">One other thing that has just recently started is the squirrel cage seems out-of-balance and there is some vibration going on up there.

I am thinking the cage needs to be replaced or at least figure out why it is out of balance. Thoughts? Ideas?</td></tr></table>

I think you are right on. Hopefully one of our AC experts will be along to chime in.

Sounds like the repair guy was form Arkansas.....

[electric fish]

More than likely it is condensing on the inside panals because it is stuck in a hot attic. I would suggest insulation of the panals and making sure it is well sealed. Installing an A/C in the attic is about the worst place for it and I would like to punch someone in the face for making it so common place.
Slope on the drain pan was the first solution that popped into my head as that is also a very common problem.
Good luck.

[MisterE]

Seal the whole box?

[electric fish]

Just start with sealing the air leaks. Most likely you are sucking in hot humid air into the air handler that has conditioned air already running through it. This is instant condensation on the inside air handler. The inside panals should already be insulated. Once that insulation starts getting wet and saturated you will start slinging water. The idea is to try and eliminate the hot air you are pulling into the unit from the attic thus elimnating the condensation. You will probably see condensation on the outside of the panal when you look at your unit. This tells you that the insulation is no good and you are pulling in hot air.
Just a start.

[MisterE]

it is sweating on the outside of the box. if i seal the air from coming in, will the insulated panels dry up and stop sweating? or am i going to need to try and dry this some first?

I am going to get some great stuff and try to use that around any holes. iknow where the 2 pipes go in, that grommet wasnt working worth a damm. heh

Thank you for the tips.

[electric fish]

Foil tape, water based duct sealant and a throw away brush will do the trick. Tape up the holes, coat with some brushed on duct sealant and let dry. You can also tape the seams on the access panal but do not coat. Hopefully the insualtion will dry out.
If you need to get into the unit just cut open the tape. Check where the wires go into the unit. This is another area where air gets in on some units.

[coolcajun]

One other thing is the coil maybe dirty. When the air is restricted it can pull the water off the coil.

[donpilot]

Does the drain line have a "p" trap in it? Sometimes the water can't get out for all the air being sucked into the drain line.

[red314]

Did you get your problem fixed?????

I have done a few jobs like this. (it is not preferred but sometimes the only solution for a/c). What type of system is it a air handler (furnace style) or is a high velocity style (small 2"lines from main duct). A common mistake is that you need a "TEE" fitting after you come out of the A coil to relieve the pressure so the water will not get sucked back into the unit and leak in other areas. You will need to look at the driections for the unit and see if you need a TEE or a "P" trap to solve the problem. Is the charge correct???

Randy

[MisterE]

I finally got up there to take a look. I taped up the hole area where the low pipe enters the unit(most obvious air leak)

I do have a P trap going out to drain, i also have a p trap that goes to the drip pan. This one seems to dry up and is another obvious air leak. i poured water in this one to seal it there. I am going to wait a few days and see if it dries up.

My squirrel cage is also making more noise than normal and i will have to take a look at it soon. I am starting to think i have mold growing in there from the water getting blown into the cage area. i can see some mold on the outside and believe i have a serious mold problem going on in there. I have also been having issues with my sinuses and wife having head aches(yeah i know, just what i need! )

[shakeyhead]

cut your drain above the pee trap and blow it twards the outside. check your blower wheel for paper or anything in the fins. that thing spins at around 1075rpm. a feather laying on it will send it out of ballance