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Heating & Air Conditioning

New AC/Compressor Question

16 years ago

I had a new AC installed about a month ago (4-ton, 15 Seer Rheem). The outside portion (I guess this is the compressor, and it's not a heat pump)has constant standing water underneath. I guess this is condensation, and it's not a lot of water, but it's enough to make me concerned. Is this normal? I'm worried about rust/corrosion with this moisture present. Any feedback on this is appreciated. I do have a call into the installation company, but have not got a call back.

And, while I'm here, the unit replaced a 15 year old unit. I expect to see my energy bills drop, but have not gone through a full billing cycle with the new unit. My last bill did reflect 15 days with the new unit and the power usage did not drop at all. I don't have any other new electrical devices which could account for the increased energy use. Should I expect my electricity bills to fall with the new unit and, if not, what could be the problem? I'm going to wait until a full billing cycle ocurs with the new unit before I go jump off a bridge :) Thanks for your help in advance.

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Comments (2)

DNT1
16 years ago
Might just be that the area underneath the unit is a low spot and the installers ran the condensate drain line from the inside evaporator coil out and let it dump right at the base of the new unit. Look for a open pipe maybe 1/2" to 3/4in round that has water coming out of it when the unit is operating. If you find it see if it has enough slack to maybe reroute it so the condensate does not buildup under the unit. Or of course have your installer fix the problem as they probably just missed that and would be more than glad to fix you right up. It is fairly normal to route the drain line with the refrigerant lines and drain it right at the condensing coil but you may need it drained elsewhere if that area is a low spot.
udarrell_2007
16 years ago
The large suction line & the compressor are probably sweating. They could insulate the suction line inside the condenser.

The cause could be, an overcharged refrigerant system or too low an airflow through the evaporator coil.
udarrell 2007

Here is a link that might be useful: udarrell.com
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