If your system’s airflow drops below specifications, the temperature of the evaporator coil may fall below freezing
Air conditioning systems are designed to produce condensation as they extract humidity from your indoor air. This helps them to cool your indoor space efficiently, increasing your indoor comfort levels. A full-size air conditioning system produces a daily average of about 25 gallons of condensation. Most AC condensation problems result from condensation leakage or evaporator coil icing. Condensate leakage happens when the plastic condensate drain pan beneath your air handler develops a crack or hole. As a result, water puddles around the drain pan of your AC indoor unit. If your air handler unit is located in your attic, leakage through your ceiling may occur. Over flows occur when your drain line or condensate line clogs. The drain line is responsible for draining the collected water in the drain pan, emptying your drain pan. When the drain line clogs, the drain pan cannot empty the water collected, causing it to overflow inside your indoor space. These highly humid conditions inside your drain pan and drain line create a conducive environment for mold or algae to thrive and grow. Most often, these particles can clog your drain line and cause a musty smell inside your home. Another AC condensation problem is coil icing. If your system’s airflow drops below specifications, the temperature of the evaporator coil may fall below freezing. Condensate that drips into the drain pan freezes instead. As a result, the coil is encased in a block of ice, causing your system to shut down. Since the ice formation can extend beyond the dimensions of your drain pan, melting ice forms puddles around your unit or leaks through your ceiling.