If you see smoke or mist blowing out of your cooling unit’s vents, you’re probably wondering, “Why can I see the air from my air conditioner?”
As a trusted AC repair company in Plainfield, IN, Complete Comfort can help you understand what is happening and whether you should even worry about airflow visibility problems. Here’s more about why mist vapors might pour out of your air conditioner on a nice, hot day in Indiana.
What Causes Mist From the Air Conditioner?
Mist formation happens the same way inside as it does outside. The temperature of the ambient air first reaches the dew point – a variable level that depends on the pressure and humidity in the air. If the temperature then falls below this dew point, the moisture in the air condenses, and mist starts to become visible.
Smoke indicates something burning, and you can see it because the smoke contains a lot of particulates and pollutants. Mist is different – you can see it, but because it consists of water, it remains odorless. You can tell you have smoke drifting in by its distinct and rather overpowering smell.
Is there cause for concern if you see mist coming from your air conditioner? No, but always seek immediate help if you notice smoke!
Why Your Plainfield Air Conditioner Might Blow Mist (or Smoke)
Let’s look at several instances that might cause your air conditioner to blow out visible mist or smoke, and what that means for your home.
Drainage Clog
Why can I see the air from my air conditioner? The most common reason is a clogged drain line.
Plainfield homeowners should realize that all air conditioners produce condensation that the machines collect in a drain pan and recycle to cool the device. Older units tend to have a drainage hole, whereas newer units have a line. If either becomes blocked, it traps the water and may turn it into steam.
Are you seeing visible moisture from AC vents? It might be the vapor meeting slightly colder temperatures as it leaves the warm interior of the cooling appliance.
Ductwork Issues
Do your air ducts have a lower temperature than the ambient room temperature? If so, you might see condensation forming just inside your airconditioner’s ducts. When your HVAC fan blows over this condensation in air ducts, you may see mist blowing out of the vents.
If you see this happening regularly, get help. Duct condensation can cause long-term damage. Insulation might prevent this condensation.
Humidity Levels
If you notice an AC unit fogging up, the day’s humidity might be responsible for it. The moisture content in the air determines the dew point, which is where water changes from gas to liquid or back again.
Is your air conditioner keeping the indoor humidity at a comfortable level? AC humidity issues indicate that something is wrong within your cooling system and occur for one of the following reasons:
- Clogged evaporator coils
- Refrigerant leaks
- Oversized air conditioner
- Dirty air filter
If you see mist from the air conditioning vents and notice the humidity is worse indoors, call for professional repairs as soon as possible.
Overheating
If my unit isn’t facing humidity or clogged drain lines, why can I see the air from my air conditioner? At this point, it is always wise to check that your Plainfield, IN, air conditioner is not, in fact, blowing smoke into the room. Overheating isn’t uncommon.
If your air conditioner overheats, its safety feature should shut it down. When this mechanism fails, fires can start. If you are seeing and smelling smoke, not mist, immediately shut off your air conditioner and call emergency services to check your home and electrical system.
Cooling Component Issues
Do older components within your air conditioner produce trace amounts of smoke? Two components commonly go wrong – the fan belt and the fan motor. If they do, the resulting smoke has a foul smell and produces toxic byproducts.
If you’d like to preserve your indoor air quality and avoid a fire, shut down your device and call for emergency repairs.
Electrical Failure
Does your air conditioner have aging wires or loose electrical connections? Sparks cause fires, and smoke will follow.
Electrical failure is also relatively common in older air conditioners. Practice safety if you suspect smoke and shut down your system.
How To Prevent Issues With Your Air Conditioner
If you want to prevent air conditioning condensation and mist from forming, follow these best practices to care for your HVAC system:
Regular Cooling Maintenance
Why can I see the air from my air conditioner? Scheduling annual maintenance will prevent you from having to answer this question entirely.
Many Plainfield, Indiana, homeowners schedule yearly maintenance in the spring so that they can feel confident about the approaching summer heat. A second maintenance in the fall can mitigate any wear and tear after this peak period.
During maintenance, your HVAC professional will:
- Test electrical connections
- Clean the air filter
- Calibrate the thermostat
Air conditioning maintenance reduces the frequency and severity of repairs in the long run.
Moderate Air Conditioner Usage
Do you use your air conditioner quite a bit? Faster wear needs more frequent maintenance.
If you’d like to optimize your cooling at home, consider setting your thermostat to 78 degrees. The United States Department of Energy recommends this as the most efficient temperature along with the following practices:
- Run ceiling or box fans and open the windows for a cross breeze.
- Avoid using heat-producing appliances like dryers or ovens at midday.
- Try cold foods and liquids.
You could also wear loose, moisture-wicking clothing on very hot days.
Prompt HVAC Repairs
Does your air conditioner appear to have some minor issues? Schedule repairs!
Proactive repairs prevent major breakdowns and extend the life of your air conditioner.
Schedule Air Conditioner Service in Plainfield Today
Why can I see the air from my air conditioner? Why not ask our trusted and experienced AC company in Plainfield, Indiana, for an assessment? Complete Comfort’s competitive prices run the length of Clark’s Creek and beyond to keep our friends and neighbors comfortable.
Call us today!
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