HVAC peeps please step inside.

[mardyn]

I'm fabbing up a misting system for my A/C condenser. Going to use a 24V solenoid valve to turn the misting system on/off when the condenser activates.

I can't seem to locate a 24V source on the logic board for the condensing unit... all seems to be 120 V or low voltage 2.1V to 4.5V.

Just wondering if any of y'all might have a suggestion on how to proceed.

mardyn

[bug1124]

Relay? Arduino?

[jyro]

I'm fabbing up a misting system for my A/C condenser. Going to use a 24V solenoid valve to turn the misting system on/off when the condenser activates.

I can't seem to locate a 24V source on the logic board for the condensing unit... all seems to be 120 V or low voltage 2.1V to 4.5V.

Just wondering if any of y'all might have a suggestion on how to proceed.

mardyn

The coil leads on the contactor are 24 volts, don't overload the transformer.
Are you considering the minerals left on the condenser from the water evaporating. There will also be a bad result if the condenser pressure drops too low on a cooler day.

[mardyn]

Yeah, I think I got it figured out with the help of some of my internet A/C experts.

and I understand about the potential for contamination of the condenser after long term use of the mister system. I'll be using a specific filter to reduce/eliminate the chlorine/lime/calcium in the misting system.

If I get it together and it really works well and I find I'm using it all the time, I'll just have to acid wash the condenser coils out each spring to take care of any build up.

I know this misting system idea has it's pros and cons, but I just wanted to give it a try to see if it really makes a BIG difference... a small difference won't be worth the extra drama that comes with the installation.

I'll keep y'all posted on my progress... misting kit is supposed to arrive (UPS) this afternoon.

mardyn

[Rreemo]

I've thought about trying one of these cheap-o units out from Craigslist...just to see how much of a difference it makes. http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/hsh/1238895195.html

I was figuring if I saw a major difference then I could put something together that is more permanent and well thought out.

[46Tbird]

If you actually have buildup, spray it down with CLR and rinse. Seriously.

[TheAsp!]

... and the blades tend to cut up the condenser coils when the fan falls. Good luck, SG.

[Progres1]

I think it is hillarious all these people put these misting systems on there condensers. I went to a House the other day I installed to XR12 Trane Systems about 4 years ago I have not heared from the people in 4 years I get there they have this misting crap on those nice condensers and the upstairs condenser would not turn on I found it to have a Blown Fuse on the Furnace due to Overloading the transformer I also found it to ahve 80% blocked condenser coils which restricted the air flow and made the condenser run 400 psi head pressure so much for saving any money using the misting system. You guys should just properly clean and have the system checked and charged properly and it will run a whole lot better than all the rigging that is online now days just a thought.

John Sheffield

[mardyn]

What was blocking the condenser coils?

btw, I've had the misting system up and running on my condenser unit now for about 3 or 4 weeks, can't say I've noticed the huge difference . Yeah the A/C works good, but it worked good before too... unit may cycle slightly faster, but certainly not the 30% difference as claimed.

Still testing.

mardyn

[Progres1]

Dirt from not having the unit cleaned or serviced

[mardyn]

Okay, got my electric bills for last month.... here's how things fell out.

A/C Misting system has been in place for last 4 or 5 weeks here at my house and at my Mom's house.

My house for July, which was unusually cool this year, electric cost was $123.80.
My house for August, which was about normal so far, electric cost was $105.13.


My Mom's house for July, cost was 134.65 (but she was gone for a week)
Mom's house for August, E cost was $151.17, but is normally $185.ish this time of year.

Haven't got the water bill yet, but I'm estimating it will be about $5.00 higher due to increase water usage.

More testing to follow.

mardyn

[saleen781]

I have thought about a misting system. I usually go out and spray my unit down with the hose a few times and it seems to cool the house a little faster.