Smoke Coming From Vents When AC Is On
The cooling system in your home is an important part of what makes your living space a comfortable place to live and operate. If you see smoke coming from the vents, this is a sign that something is wrong. Take a moment to notice if this is accompanied by any particular smell.
In the following article, we will take a closer look at how to identify potential problems connected to an air conditioner blowing smoke. But we would like to emphasize that this is for informational purposes only. If you believe your air conditioning unit is having problems, a skilled HVAC technician will be able to deliver an effective solution without running the risk of a rookie mistake which could lead to a larger cooling unit problem.
Air Conditioner Blowing Smoke: Causes & Solutions
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In our article today, we will take a closer look at some of the most common reasons homeowners will see smoke coming from their air vents.
Condensation In The Heater Box
If you see white smoke coming from the vents, there is a good chance that this is not even smoke coming from your air conditioner vents. Most likely, this is condensation. You will be able to tell the difference if you don’t notice the distinct smell of smoke and it is creating a white fog.
As the air conditioner pulls in warm air from the room, it is cooled. This means that the moisture present in the air will be condensed very rapidly. If enough of this condensation builds up in the heater box, it is fairly common that this condensed moisture will be expelled along with the cool air and returned to the room. This will result in what looks like white fog coming from the vents in your room. This excess moisture in the heater box could be the result of a broken drain line that has become blocked.
Air Conditioner Cold Dry Air Contacting Warm Air
When cold air meets warm air, it is common to see a white fog form, especially if the warm air is also very humid. This is what happens when you see your breath in the cold morning air and know that winter is coming. It is the humidity of the warm air suddenly becoming condensed by contact with the warm air, causing water droplets that are seen as smoke or fog.
A common cause for this is that your air conditioner is not getting sufficient airflow through the system. This situation can be resolved by turning the air conditioner on high so that the room is cooled faster. You can also make sure the air filters and front intake register is cleaned frequently as this can affect the flow of air through the air conditioner.
A regular inspection from a qualified air conditioner technician can also troubleshoot other problems that could be leading to excessive condensation in the heater box.
Air Conditioner Drain Hole is Clogged
Most of the newest models of air conditioners do not have a drain hole. However, many of the older models will. If this drain hole becomes clogged, the condensed moisture from the air conditioning unit will not drain properly. The condensate line that runs from the drain hole to the outside allows water to escape. Consequently, if this line is not properly cleaned, it will eventually become clogged. The result will be moisture condensing in your air conditioner unit and the result can be that white vapor being released from your HVAC vents. One of the best ways to avoid these issues will be with regular air conditioner maintenance.
Failure Of An A/C Component
The air conditioner has become a standard piece of equipment in most modern homes. However, this convenience comes with the responsibility of keeping your air conditioner in proper function. Keeping your home cool on a warm summer day is no easy task and can place a considerable strain on your AC system if it is not kept in good running order.
As the cooling systems get older and lose functionality, it is only natural that some of these components will fail. If your air conditioner uses an air belt, this could be what is causing that smoke to be released from the vents.
But smoke could also be a sign of any movable part burning out. The fan motor is another component that can overheat and begin to release smoke. If this happens, it is very important that you shut the air conditioner down completely as the smoke being produced is noxious. Call in a trained HVAC technician who can properly diagnose the problem and apply a solution that will extend the longevity of your cooling system. Sometimes, the most efficient option will be to replace an air conditioning unit with one that will operate more efficiently. A faulty air conditioner can cost you a small fortune in consumed energy and HVAC repair costs.
Overheating Air Conditioning Unit
If you notice white smoke coming from your air conditioner vents and it does smell like smoke, then the problem is probably not condensation. It could be something more serious.
An air conditioner is a system that relies on various electrical components working together to accomplish a purpose. If one of these components becomes overheated, for example, by insufficient airflow through the air conditioner, the result could include melting wires and other materials.
Clogged vents and blocked air filters are the most likely problems. It will be important to shut off your air conditioner immediately and air out the room. Contact a reliable HVAC technician who can provide a solution and prevent any further issues. After inspecting the air conditioner, your HVAC technician will determine if the component can be repaired, or if replacements are needed before the air conditioner can be used again.
Air Conditioner Electrical Problems
Another common reason that smoke is released through the vent is a situation in the wiring. The cooling system has many wires and electrical connections that make everything run. But if one of these is not functioning properly, the result can be a particularly unpleasant odor of burning rubber and smoke.
As before, if you notice this smell emanating from your air conditioning unit, shut off the power and disconnect the appliance as fast as possible. An electrical issue could lead to a very serious problem if allowed to continue unattended. This could lead to a fire or very costly replacements. After your air conditioner unit is shut down, call in an HVAC technician to address the faulty components.
Is Your Air Conditioner Setting Off The Smoke Alarm?
The blaring sound of the smoke alarm is always jolting, but if your Air Conditioner is causing your smoke alarm to go off, it is probably not the smoke, but a power surge that is causing this issue. If this is happening, unplug your air conditioner or shut off the circuit powering your AC unit. Then, call in a professional who can look over your systems and provide you with some guidance. There is most likely an issue with your air conditioner or your home’s wiring system.
Is The White Smoke Coming From Your Air Conditioner Vents Odorless?
Anytime you see smoke coming from your air conditioner vents, you can be sure something is wrong and you should take action to protect your AC unit. The first thing to do is identify what type of smoke (or vapor?) is coming from the vents. This is done by sense of smell. If it is odorless, it could be nothing more than a condensation problem that needs to be resolved. This doesn’t mean you should ignore the situation, a small problem like that can lead to something worse later on down the line.
On the other hand, if you notice a certain smell accompanying the white smoke, the chances are you are dealing with something far more problematic. In any case, it will be important to shut off the air conditioner and contact a technician who can set things right.
Avoiding Smoke Issues With Your Air Conditioner
Homeowners can be proactive to make sure their air conditioner is operating as expected. For example, be sure to schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. During this vital service, an HVAC professional will inspect the air conditioning system for signs of trouble. From there, they will repair any issues before they have a chance to escalate. It is important to note the importance of replacing the air filter on a regular basis as a means to prevent problems from happening in the first place.
It’s important to make sure that you are aware of any problems with your cooling system. The first sign of trouble, such as white smoke or fog coming from the AC vents, means it’s time to contact a professional HVAC contractor. Some problems might not be dangerous but could lead to bigger air conditioner repair bills down the road. Other AC problems could be risky and should be dealt with immediately. Only a trained HVAC professional will be able to guide you in this area.
Call Townsend Energy For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
Townsend Energy provides superior heating and cooling services in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Our team of qualified HVAC technicians can provide you with a full spectrum HVAC related services including repairs, replacements, maintenance, tune-ups, installations, replacements, and more. All of our experienced technicians are licensed and bonded for the services we provide. We believe in top-quality services at an affordable price. For this reason, we guarantee our services and charge a very competitive price.
To arrange a service appointment, call Townsend Energy today. We offer free estimates!
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