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How can I prevent condensation and leaks in my bedroom AC unit, considering the unique vent setup and humidity levels in my home?

Asked by Otto Kuusisto
2 months ago
Last Updated: November 2, 2024

Hey there, I could really use some assistance… I recently became a homeowner at 26 years old, and I don’t have anyone to turn to for help. It seems like contractors are trying to take advantage of me because of my age and gender, which is frustrating. I want to have a better understanding of what’s going on before I bring someone else in to fix things.

The first time I noticed an issue was when my AC unit froze and they added coolant (I think that’s what they did). It has happened randomly a few times since then. I know it’s related to condensation, but I’m not sure how to prevent it. It seems like the problem goes away if I keep the thermostat at 70, but anything lower than that triggers it.

This particular issue is with a downstairs bedroom that has an overhead vent, unlike the rest of the house which has floor vents. I suspect that’s why I see condensation in this room. I’m willing to remove the drywall to check for mold, but I want to find a permanent solution before I start putting up new drywall.

By the way, the two bedrooms upstairs are pretty humid. I even have a window AC unit in my room because it never

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Radojko Rađen

It’s highly probable that the ducts lack insulation.

Helena Castellanos

Ducts are definitely lacking insulation. One of the simplest and most affordable solutions could be to invest in a dehumidifier. Another option is to avoid setting the AC too cold. The lower the temperature, the longer the AC will run, resulting in colder ducts and more condensation. If you plan on removing the drywall, make sure to insulate the duct. Check if you have attic space to inspect before proceeding.

Juliana De Koning

Condensation. If you’re going to tackle it, maybe try duct board instead. The metal is the culprit for condensation due to temperature and humidity.

Anneke Naß

You should think about getting a dehumidifier. Also, consider adjusting your thermostat slightly higher to reduce how long your AC runs for.

Gard Kolstø

It’s leaking there because it’s close to the exterior wall, and it’s likely that outside humid air is getting in and interacting with the cold duct. You need to locate where the leak is and seal it up.

Amelia Páez

Either the outside wall is getting really hot and causing condensation or the unit lines are leaking. Does that wall face the morning sun (south)? Is that the only vent that is condensating? If you can, check the floor vents and reach in to see if there is also condensation in there. When you go outside and look at the condenser, do you see any water there? Is it freezing? That could be a sign of leaking lines (refrigerant leakage from the lines). It might also be an air leak in the duct. I’d recommend starting with the unit itself and making sure there is no consistent freezing outside. Check the ax drip line inside to ensure it is not clogged. If all else fails, you may want to consider tearing that drywall off, insulating, and sealing any openings in the ducting.

Ada Lopes

Your ducts probably don’t have insulation. You might want to consider having a dehumidifier installed on the furnace. And make sure to check the outside a/c unit – it could be clogged and in need of a good cleaning.

Mayra Schouwenaar

I relocated to a new city without any construction connections or referrals. Fortunately, my realtor had a great house inspector who guided me through the process, answered all my questions, and recommended reliable contractors. He emphasized the importance of building a business and reputation, and only recommending others with the same values. Maybe this approach could benefit you as well?

Udarsh Naik

If the humidity is high, it won’t feel cool enough. The easiest and cheapest way to address this is to get a cheap humidity gauge and dehumidifier. I typically keep my AC at 72, but with the dehumidifier, I can raise it to 75. The dehumidifier can only work if there’s sufficient water in the air. There are more permanent solutions available, but they are likely more complex and expensive.

Brent Davis

Have you had your HVAC checked to make sure it’s running smoothly and dehumidifying properly? Do you know how old your HVAC unit is?

In that case, yes, you’ll eventually have to uncover this bulkhead if anything more than just to inspect and replace drywall. You’re correct, there’s a risk of mold. Make sure to handle this with proper containment. Additionally, you might have to insulate the ductwork as others have suggested, but it typically isn’t necessary in the wall…. So, back to my initial questions: you should figure out why the humidity in your unit is unusually high. It’s possible that your HVAC isn’t effectively dehumidifying the air, so you need to identify the reason behind needing to set your HVAC to 70° to cool the space. The standard setting is typically between 74 to 78. As mentioned by others, high humidity can make the area feel less cool. Therefore, I suspect there might be an issue with the coils in your HVAC unit. Since it froze up, it indicates that something is amiss. Therefore, arrange multiple inspections with different companies to determine the problem with the AC. ‘t just accept that it requires coolant, request a diagnostic. It’s indeed possible that warm air is seeping into that bulkhead from the exterior somehow, so you’ll need to investigate that too. Nonetheless, insulating around your ductwork is always a good idea in unconditioned spaces.

Brent Davis

Wait, did they really install your thermostat 20 feet up?

Alexander Fletcher

Dehumidifier

Alexander Fletcher

Hey ! If you have HVAC, I suggest checking out a whole home unit. Personally, I like AprilAire (Santa Fe), but there are plenty of other reliable brands out there. Also, if you decide to go with that option, make sure they install it parallel to the HVAC system, not in series. This way, the unit can operate separately from the HVAC system without being restricted by it.

Jordan Gibson

Still under warranty call the manufacturer to evaluate the issue – or contact the agent who sold you the house and inquire about their recommended HVAC company for a second opinion – in my area (CA) that would cost around $150 for an inspection –

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