condensation on basement duct work
#1

We have a ranch home with a full basement. Half of the basement is finished and enclosed and we are getting ready to finish the other half of the basement and add 2 bedrooms, laundry, 2 1/2 baths and a full bath. The problem we are encountering only occurs during the summer, but it is quite a problem. We have a tremendous amount of condensation on the duct work throughout the basement. Do you think that this is due to part of the basement not being finished(insulated in the finished part and not in the other) that is causing all of the duct work to sweat? If so, what are the chances that it will stop when we insulate the outside walls and finish the rest of the basement? If not, do you think we will need to consider redoing the duct work with insulated duct work or would a dehumidifier suffice? The total basement measures 26 x 47, is completely underground except for one wall. I'm not sure what else I can tell you to help with answering this, but any help would be appreciated. Thanks
#2
hurleyherd:
It's obvious that the air coming off the evaperator coil is too cold.
Is this something that started when the a/c was installed or did it happen all of a sudden?
There are a few things that can cause this and a good a/c tech will have to fully check it out.
You could do some basic maintenance yourself as restricted airflow could cause lower suction temps which in turn makes the air colder.
Maybe check that the fan motor is on the highest speed.
An option if maybe the unit is oversized for the airflow, is to have a bigger indoor coil installed.
This might not all apply but here are some tips on servicing a furnace:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...ir/print.phtml
It's obvious that the air coming off the evaperator coil is too cold.
Is this something that started when the a/c was installed or did it happen all of a sudden?
There are a few things that can cause this and a good a/c tech will have to fully check it out.
You could do some basic maintenance yourself as restricted airflow could cause lower suction temps which in turn makes the air colder.
Maybe check that the fan motor is on the highest speed.
An option if maybe the unit is oversized for the airflow, is to have a bigger indoor coil installed.
This might not all apply but here are some tips on servicing a furnace:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...ir/print.phtml