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    gulf2009's Avatar
    gulf2009 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jun 18, 2010, 08:09 AM
    Water/Condensation Dripping Sound From Floor AC Vent
    I have an annoying dripping sound when the AC is running downstairs. Clearly there is condensation, but I don't know how to stop it from happening. We had our vents cleaned a few months ago so there should be no blockage and this is only when the AC runs, not the heater in the winter. We are on a raised foundation. Other than not running the AC during this 95+ summer heat, what can I do about the dripping?
    hvac1000's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
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    #2

    Jun 18, 2010, 08:40 AM
    You may not be able to do anything since the unit needs to be opened up to find out exactly where the drip is coming from unless you can isloate the noise to a specific area by the sound level. Then just open that area for an inspection into the problem. There are quite a few possibilitys so just guessing where or what is causing the problem will not work.
    davemues's Avatar
    davemues Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jun 18, 2010, 09:33 AM
    I had the same issue. I always heard a dipping noise when the ac unit went on coming through the vents, so I went downstairs to see where the noise was coming from. It turns out the noise was coming from the basement floor drain where the condensation tube goes to drain. I thought at first it was the water dripping from the tube but it did not match up. Turns out it's the air pressure from the condensation tube, I noticed it blows cold air that runs across the floor drain, so I put my finger over the condensation tube and blocked the air from coming out of the tube and the noise stopped. Unfortunately this meant the condensation water couldn't drain, so I left a little space at the bottom of the tube opening so the water could come out and taped the rest of the opening so the cold air could not come out. Voilą noise was gone. Hope this helps.
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    davemues Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Jun 18, 2010, 09:33 AM
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    hvac1000's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
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    #5

    Jun 18, 2010, 09:54 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by davemues View Post
    I had the same issue. I always heard a dipping noise when the ac unit went on coming through the vents, so I went downstairs to see where the noise was coming from. It turns out the noise was coming from the basement floor drain where the condensation tube goes to drain. I thought at first it was the water dripping from the tube but it did not match up. Turns out its the air pressure from the condensation tube, I noticed it blows cold air that runs across the floor drain, so I put my finger over the condensation tube and blocked the air from coming out of the tube and the noise stopped. Unfortunately this meant the condensation water couldn't drain, so I left a little space at the bottom of the tube opening so the water could come out and taped the rest of the opening so the cold air could not come out. Voila noise was gone. hope this helps.
    Whoever installed your system forgot to install a trap in the condensation line. A trap prevents the cold air from blowing out of the condensate line.

    SEE this link below

    Google Image Result for http://www.ishrae.in/journals/2002oct/article05/fig03.jpg
    davemues's Avatar
    davemues Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Jun 18, 2010, 10:39 AM
    Thanks, for the reply, I thought that was normal. I have a guy coming in to check it out now.
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