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The Dreaded Dripping Noise: The AC Guy’s Guide to a Drippy AC

Nothing can keep someone up at night like a constant dripping noise. Seriously, we’re hardwired to wake up at the sound of a drip, due to the fact that it can clue us into mold growth somewhere which can be dangerous to our health. The problem comes from the fact that air conditioning systems are complex and deal with a lot of moisture, so how do we problem solve this type of issue?

Well, it’s simple. You can start by calling our team in Palm Harbor to stop the dripping noise from the air conditioner. But until we arrive, it might be a good idea to take a walk through your home and finish reading this blog post so you know what to expect.

The Reasons for a “Dripping Noise”

Air conditioners don’t just cool the air in your home, they also remove humidity from it. As a byproduct of the cooling process, humidity turns from a gas to a liquid through condensation, and it gets deposited into a drain that’s known as a “condensate drain.”

This component is vital because humidity can often be the reason why your home is so hot, even when it’s just 79 degrees. Your air conditioner’s ability to deal with humidity is what makes it an excellent cooling system.

However, this should work without any dripping sounds. Dripping implies that the flow of water is being impeded, or that there’s some kind of problem. Here are just a few reasons for dripping noises.

  • Damaged condensate drain pan. If the condensate drain pan is damaged, water could be leaking outside of it and dripping somewhere else where it can’t exit the system.
  • Clogged condensate drain. A clog in your condensate drain could cause the water to back up and remain inside the air conditioner which can lead to mold growth.

Unique Dangers of Dripping Water

Dripping water isn’t just bad when it’s coming from under the sink, it’s bad everywhere. Dripping water implies that water can’t flow through the condensate drain properly, and it could be stagnant.

Stagnant water is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which can be detected if you smell a “dirty sock” odor or something similar to mildew. Also, dripping water can cause damage to your home, whether it’s to drywall, paint, or wood.

Additional Problems With Mini Splits

Mini splits can also deal with moisture problems like clogged condensate drains. Unfortunately, when water leaks out of a mini split, it can drip down the wall and cause the attachment between the system and the wall to become less secure. There have been stories of mini splits falling off the wall due to moisture causing paint and drywall to melt away where it’s needed the most!

Schedule a Fix ASAP

If you hear a dripping noise, no matter if you’re the owner of a mini split or a regular central air conditioner, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with our team to get it checked out as quickly as possible.

When it comes to fixing a dripping air conditioner, I’m your guy! Contact The A/C Guy of Tampa Bay Inc.

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