What could this be? (how much, dehumidifier, sofa, AC)

[SmartMoney]

Last night it stormed heavily, typical evening TS due to high heat and humidity. My daughter-in-law came running upstairs for a bucket or trashcan because a few drops of water dripped from an AC vent from the ceiling. At most it was 10 drops (stopped by the time I got there and sofa only had a drop or two of water).

No plumbing even close, directly above, another AC vent (completely dry) and up one more level, another vent, also dry. No water to be seen anywhere - ceiling or nearby window. No pets, water bowls, drinks, nothing near.

We did have a new HVAC installed last fall and the temperature has been wonderful, as have been the electric bills.

Any ideas? I don't even know who to call for a drip that no longer exists.

[reebo]

We had the same problem and called our hvac guys out. They said when it’s extremely hot and humid condensation can build up in the ducts. If you’re in the mid Atlantic as you info says you are, you know what our weather has been like the past few days. Our problem didn’t escalate. You may want to run a dehumidifier in that room if it’s bothering you.

[Chas863]

Originally Posted by SmartMoney

Last night it stormed heavily, typical evening TS due to high heat and humidity. My daughter-in-law came running upstairs for a bucket or trashcan because a few drops of water dripped from an AC vent from the ceiling. At most it was 10 drops (stopped by the time I got there and sofa only had a drop or two of water).

No plumbing even close, directly above, another AC vent (completely dry) and up one more level, another vent, also dry. No water to be seen anywhere - ceiling or nearby window. No pets, water bowls, drinks, nothing near.

We did have a new HVAC installed last fall and the temperature has been wonderful, as have been the electric bills.

Any ideas? I don't even know who to call for a drip that no longer exists.

Condensation occurs when you have warm, moist air in contact with a cold surface. It does not occur when you have cold air in contact with hot surface.

For example, when you have a ceramic mug full of coffee that is so hot that it's uncomfortable to hold onto the outside of the mug, you get NO condensation.

OTOH, when you have a mug or glass filled with an icy drink, you'll get condensation on the outside (warm) side of the mug/glass due to the relatively warm air in contact with a cold surface.

So, you need to examine the situation and find out where you have a cold surface that is in contact with warm air. That's where the condensation will occur.

This is assuming that the water drops were due to condensation. If, OTOH, the water drops were the result of a leak from the outside rainstorm, then that's a different issue. In the latter case, you need to check your outside seals around any ducts or vent pipes. Perhaps a dryer vent or a hose leading to the outside compressor on the new A/C unit is not caulked sufficiently. You could check the latter by going outside on a dry day and dousing any wall penetrations with a water hose. Then observe if you get any leakage in the same area.

[victimofGM]

Warm humid air meets cold AC air and you have condensation.

[LKJ1988]

A/C's leak at vents gents when pushed too hard with nasty dew points.

[SmartMoney]

Many thanks all, for putting my mind is at rest on this one - I had hoped this was a non-event and not one of the many presents of homeownership.

Seems like something new keeps popping up, no matter how much maintenance I do.