Air Conditioning Condensate Calculator

Condensate Formula:

\[ \text{Condensate (gal/day)} = \frac{\text{CFM} \times \text{Grains Removed}}{7000} \]

Condensate (gal/day):

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1. What is Air Conditioning Condensate?

Air conditioning condensate is the water that forms when warm, humid air passes over the cold evaporator coil of an air conditioning system. As the air cools, its ability to hold moisture decreases, causing water vapor to condense into liquid form.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the condensate formula:

\[ \text{Condensate (gal/day)} = \frac{\text{CFM} \times \text{Grains Removed}}{7000} \]

Where:

\( CFM \) — Cubic Feet per Minute (airflow rate)
\( Grains Removed \) — Moisture removed from air (grains per pound of dry air)
\( 7000 \) — Conversion constant (grains per pound)

Explanation: This formula calculates the daily condensate production based on airflow rate and the amount of moisture removed from the air by the air conditioning system.

3. Importance of Condensate Calculation

Details: Proper condensate calculation is essential for designing adequate drainage systems, preventing water damage, ensuring system efficiency, and maintaining indoor air quality by effectively removing excess humidity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow and grains of moisture removed per pound of dry air. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is CFM in air conditioning systems?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute and represents the volume of air flowing through the HVAC system per minute.

Q2: How do I determine grains removed?
A: Grains removed is calculated by finding the difference in humidity ratio between the entering and leaving air conditions across the evaporator coil.

Q3: Why is condensate management important?
A: Proper condensate management prevents water damage, mold growth, and system inefficiency while maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels.

Q4: What affects condensate production?
A: Condensate production depends on outdoor humidity levels, indoor setpoint, airflow rate, and the cooling capacity of the system.

Q5: How should condensate be disposed of?
A: Condensate should be properly drained to approved locations using sloped drain lines, traps, and in some cases, condensate pumps for difficult installations.