How do i fix moisture from my ac?
My ac is installed in a downstairs closet in my home. If I'm correct it drains out the side of my house (going thru 2 closets in the room next to it). My problem is I am getting mold and both closets are moldy and damp. What could be causing this problem and is it something I can fix on my own? I am a widow now and can't afford anything too expensive.
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Hi Weda,
Sounds as if there is a leak or a break in the connection of the pipe taking the extracted moisture away from the AC.
It sounds like the pipe has a leak and is allowing moisture to get into those closets. It might also be the temperature of the pipe. You could try adding pipe insulation to that pipe. I would also use Damp Rid in those closets. Pipe insulation is foam and is easy to cut and place around the pipe.
Hello. If you can establish that you have a leak or crack you might be able to fix it with epoxy putty. This is a clay that is mix and dries rocksolid. Found in the big box hardware stores it cost about $6.50 a tube. I find it to be a great repair item to have on hand in addition to my crafting purposes.
You might have a leak in the pipe but you should also check around outside your house after it rains, see if there’s any pooling. Make sure all your downspouts move water well away from your foundation. If it’s not the pipe or another interior leak, you might have a larger problem which unfortunately is not inexpensive.
The water drain is more then likely plugged. I would remove the unit, clean all the areas behind, clean out the venting and re install. I would do this once or twice per year depending how often ac is used
You could purchase a dehumidifier but due to the location, you will probably have to manually empty it. I would run it into a bucket of some type and check it to see how often you need to empty.
Here's a post that might help - https://whitemechanical.com/stop-condensation-on-ac-ducts/#:~:text=Try%20to%20reduce%20the%20humidity,them%20once%20every%20three%20months.
Hello Weda, sounds like the hose may be plugged or leaking, you need to find where it is plugged in the hose or where the hole is in the hose and seal it off. You can't buy a cheap snake to try to ream out the hose, or try to run water from a garden hose through it to move the blockage.
Is there a hose running from your ac through the closets to the outside of your house? I am thinking if there is, it might be plugged and you should get a new hose,
Hi! Sheetrock isn't nearly as messy to cut and remove as plaster. I would consider access panels where you remove the sheetrock. They aren't expensive. I bought one on Amazon for access to my washer and dryer and it made life much simpler. Another cheaper option is to cut panels to screw onto the four corners so they are easy to remove. I've used bead board, paneling and sheetrock to screw into place. Hidden in the closet, you won't even need to do a trim finish unless you want one. If you could manage it, look into moving the unit closer to where it drains for less distance for leaks. I would check all connections and hoses before doing anything expensive. They wear out, and can be accidentally damaged. Drains get blocked. There is a tool (I think it's called a sheetrock saw) that is long and skinny and cuts easily through sheetrock. Avoid being too close to any electric, ductwork, or water lines. If there is electrical, shut off the breaker before starting. If the dampness is a new problem, I would suspect a leak. Airing it out, even with a cheap box fan will help. Once you have done all you are capable of, you may want to get it inspected by an HVAC specialist. Good luck!
My Dad had a short hose that ran from his ac unit across the garage floor and drained outside. That was his cheap solution.
He took the hose apart and cleaned it out every few years.
try this Fill a plastic bucket with a few gallons of hot water and about 1/2 cup of household bleach. Saturate a scrubbing sponge in the bleach solution and use it to wipe the inside surfaces of the AC unit, removing all traces of visible mold. The bleach will kill residual mold spores.
Our HVAC had a little sump and pump to get rid of the water. Our pump was directed to a floor drain.
Thank you all for the information I really appreciate it 🙂