How to Handle Condensation Coming From Your AC Vents

On a hot summer day in Charleston when you’re just about to kick back to enjoy the comfort of your AC, the last thing you want is a surprise droplet of water splashing onto your face and ripping you from your relaxation. Condensation on your AC ducts may seem like an everyday issue, but this seemingly minor annoyance can be a sign of more significant issues with your home AC system.
At LimRic Plumbing, Heating and Air, we’re here to help you understand how much condensation is too much, how to troubleshoot the problem at home, and when you should call our team of pros for specialized help.
5 Common Causes of Excessive AC Condensation
- Insufficient Insulation
Adequate insulation around your ductwork is essential to preventing excessive condensation because it keeps your AC lines at an optimal temperature. Improper insulation installation as well as everyday wear and tear can be the cause of excessive condensation. Our team of experts at LimRic will be happy to help you install or replace damaged insulation to ensure that your home stays cool and comfortable throughout the summer.

- Restricted Airflow
Both damaged and improperly installed insulation can restrict airflow within your ductwork, not only leading to excessive condensation but also to high energy bills and low air circulation. When the air in your ducts becomes stagnant, it can cause moisture and debris to build up over time. This leads to the growth of mold and mildew, which might even cause your home to develop a musty smell.
If you notice condensation dripping or experience a musty smell, it might be time to call LimRic. Our dedicated and personable team of experts will know exactly what to do to make your home comfortable again.

- Overflowing Drip Pan
The drip pan in your air conditioner catches excess moisture from your AC to keep your unit from becoming overly humid and muggy. If your drip pan overflows, it can no longer perform its function and excess moisture will overflow your AC unit causing condensation and other issues.
Drip pans typically only last five to ten years before they rust and become damaged from wear and tear. When a drip pan is damaged it can no longer do its job of catching and containing excess moisture. That is why it is very important to regularly check the condition of your AC drip pan. LimRic provides routine Air Conditioner Tune-Up services where our trusted team of pros will check the condition of your drip pan and overall AC unit.

- Clogged AC Drain Line
Your AC unit’s drain line removes moisture from your air conditioner and expels it outside of your home. If you’ve noticed excessive condensation dripping from your AC vents, it could be caused by a drain line issue. Because AC drain lines are in constant contact with outdoor elements, they can become clogged with debris and mold. Too much buildup can clog the drain line, preventing excess water from flowing outside. With nowhere to escape, the stagnant water in your system overflows and evaporates potentially causing water damage and rust.
Minor AC drain line clogs can be handled at home. Just mix a bit of vinegar and baking soda with water and flush it through the drain tube of your air conditioning unit to clean it. However, serious clogs are best handled by HVAC experts like our repair team at LimRic. Be sure to schedule AC maintenance every spring to prevent clogs from forming and to ensure that your AC is up and running before summer.

- Frozen Evaporator Coil
Several different issues can cause your AC evaporator coil to ice over or freeze entirely. Regardless, any form of frost on your evaporator coil will cause condensation when it thaws. One of the primary causes of a frozen evaporator coil is a dirty air filter. A dirty air filter doesn’t just reduce the air quality in your home, it can also cause blockages that lead to your AC’s evaporator coil freezing over. Be sure to replace your AC air filter at least once every three months. If you need assistance in this process don’t hesitate to get in touch with LimRic. We’re always happy to help with any HVAC issues you may be facing.
Another common cause of a frozen evaporator coil is low refrigerant from an insufficient charge or a leak. In this case, the coil will overwork itself in an effort to keep the unit functioning and eventually freeze. Hissing and bubbling sounds are a sure sign of a leak. If you hear hissing or bubbling coming from your AC, contact a LimRic pro as soon as possible to evaluate your system and fix any problems before they become serious.

Consequences of Excessive AC Condensation
If left untreated, too much condensation on AC vents and ducts can escalate to become a costly problem. Too much condensation can cause the following issues:
- Mold and mildew growth: Air conditioning ducts run through the unseen nooks and crannies of your home. This means that by the time you notice mold growing it may be too late, and your home may need extensive mold remediation by the time you’ve noticed the problem.
- Insulation damage: When insulation gets wet, it compacts and compresses down making it less effective at doing its job of maintaining your home’s temperature.
- Water damage: Because AC ducts often run through walls, damp ducts can cause serious damage to your home’s framing and drywall over time.
How to Stop Condensation From Your Air Conditioner
The fastest and easiest way to fix condensation on your AC vents is to call an HVAC professional. They know how to identify exactly what is causing the issue and can provide a tailored solution. Some methods HVAC experts use to stop condensation from forming in your AC vents include:
Replace Duct Insulation
Replacing damaged or outdated duct insulation will alleviate the accumulation of excess condensation in your AC unit. Ducts with inadequate insulation get hot, causing condensation. Common duct insulation materials include fiberglass, Rockwool, and polyethylene fiber. To ensure further issues aren’t caused by improper installation, it’s best to leave the installation to an HVAC technician like our team at LimRic.
Install a Dehumidifier
Sometimes condensation isn’t related to your AC unit at all. Occasionally, high humidity levels outside can cause condensation to accumulate inside your home. For example, if you live by a body of water, your home may be more susceptible to indoor humidity.
In these rare cases, it might be a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier for your home. A dehumidifier will reduce and regulate humidity in your home.
Clean AC Coils
If your AC unit’s evaporator coils get dirty, they could start to freeze. When this ice melts, it creates condensation on your AC vents. If your AC performance starts to drop, that is a telltale sign that it’s time to clean your coils. Cleaning your coils should be a routine practice in your HVAC maintenance.
Flush Drain Lines
AC units have a special drain specifically designed for flushing out condensation. If this drain gets clogged, it prevents condensation from escaping. You can create a simple cleaning solution by mixing a bit of water with vinegar and baking soda and flushing it through the drain. If that doesn’t fix the problem, it’s time to call an HVAC professional.
Regular Duct Cleaning
Restricted airflow caused by debris and dust in your ducts and vents can cause excess condensation to build up and drip from your AC vents. Routine duct cleaning can keep your vents free of buildup and maximize airflow.

Schedule Air Conditioning System Maintenance & Air Duct Cleaning in Charleston, SC
Whether you’re currently experiencing condensation dripping from your AC vents or you’re looking to take measures to prevent issues with your AC in advance, LimRic provides comprehensive AC services to keep your home cool and breezy all summer long. With more than 50 years of experience under our belts, we’re so confident that you’ll be satisfied with our services that we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Call us now or schedule an appointment online to ensure that your home is cold and comfortable throughout the sweltering heat of South Carolina summers.