What causes condensation in the return duct of an air conditioner? What can we do about it?

Question

Please don't answer if you don't know. We need real help with this. I heard a dripping noise so I checked the return duct and noticed lots of wetness. Some of the wood is considerably wet. It was not this way last month when I cleaned the filter. We have a filter that you just clean, you don't replace it.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Answer 1

It is most unusual for condensation to form in a return duct.

I think it is necessary for you to call the HVAC pro in your area.

I do this for a living and I would need to see this to tell you what is going on.

Answer 2

Ac Return Duct

Answer 3

You need to insulate your duct work and make sure that your filter is completly dry before re-installing it, I like to keep 2 of the washable filters so that I have one to put back into my return duct while I am washing and letting my other one dry. I would try the latter one first and see if that helps, if not then insulate your duct work, which by the way, it should be insulated anyway.

Answer 4

It is pretty unusual to have any condensation in the return air duct. The only way I can see this happening is the portion of the duct that is exposed to outside air could condense moisture from the outside air on the outside surface.
The best way to prevent condensation would be to insulate the ductwork.

Answer 5

Try insulating the duct work,if the condensation is really bad you probably need a dehumidifier.You might want to check the drain on your unit,if it becomes plugged water will backup into the base of the unit.

Answer 6

umm.. like all airconditionars get wet.. they make really cold spots and really warm in back so liek the water condences on the colder areas if it dont freeze it.. and they are made so it drips out the back isntead of thefront so it dont make ur hosue inside wet and it would be less efficiant cuz it let heat back n... air conditioners dont make cold they exchanges heat from the air inside to the otuside. theres goign to be water. if it son your house wooden siding put liek plastic over it.