How can I keep A/C condensation from staining/ruining drop-ceiling tiles?
Answers:
Insulation is the answer. This system was probably heat only in the beginning and air conditioning was added later, and they used the existing duct. Heat does not sweat or condensate, air conditioning does. I would recommend bubble wrap insulation, since it is easy to work with and has no fibre glass in it. Wrap it good and tight and use foil back tape to secure it. Don't use duct tape. Foil back tape will last forever, duct tape will get brittle over time. This is not really an easy job, and the insulation may be hard to get unless you are a contractor. You may want to call a heating and cooling contractor and get a bid. FORGET about drip pans. BAD Idea! Drip pans are harder to install that insulating would be and they will fill up a leak and then you would be back where you started.
Other answers:
Fabricate a drain trough beneath the ductwork that sweats the worst, o rwrap your ducting with insulation. its the exposed metal that causes the condensation.It will stop if you wrap it.
Fabricate a drain trough beneath the ductwork that sweats the worst, o rwrap your ducting with insulation. its the exposed metal that causes the condensation.It will stop if you wrap it.
You could get some plastic or galvanized steel "tin roofing" to catch the drips and run them to a common area for proper drainage. Your other option would be to get some type of exhaust fan to ventilate the area.
wrap you ductwork with refletix bubble wrap (aluminum bubble wrap) and tape securely. You can also call an HVAC tech and get thier opinion.
you need to get a a ventilation fan in your attic if your duct work is run through the attic. and you can also run a dehumidfier in the living part of your home to pull more of the moisture out of the air.
You have to add drip pans under duct work and drain away or add a dehumidafier system.
Insulate the duct work with roll insulation.
The proper and best way to deal with it is to go to your local hardware store, buy waterproof or resistant wrap insulation; wrap the ductwork properly once and for all. The dripping will stop and your AC will work better.
Replace the tiles if you can, otherwise prime the stains with a special lacquer/enamel, from the store, and paint them. If you can find tiles that match or are close, just replace, but they will look very white compared to the rest. Painting is very easy, take them down, roll and put them back up.
Make sure you have adequate insulation, something to prevent moisture control, other wise the sweating and moisture will turn into mold. You probably have and opening some where, where there is air getting in. And allowing this to happen. Hope i could help.
u have 4 choices in my humble opinion:
1. insulate all exposed duct. this will prevent condensate from forming.
2. fabricate some means of catching it and diverting it as mentioned. (not the best idea)
3.condition the space between the ceilings. (temperature differential removed but costly...easier than insulating, though. U got $ to burn, do it. Problem solved.
4. remove all the tiles or call a pro.
best of luck