Dust or debris from air conditioner supply vent

[amxr39]

I have some sort of dust or debris that blows out of the forward facing Pilothouse air conditioning vent over the settee. I’ve had this problem since last fall and it seems to be worse this spring. The filter on the air conditioner coil is in place and is clean. The cabinet enclosure the houses the compressor unit is clean. I wonder if the debris is coming from the inside of the foil flex duct insulation that runs from the blower up to the vents? Helmsman said to vacuum the flex duct, but that is nearly impossible to do as far as I can see to do that.
Has anybody had a similar problem?
Thank you.

 

[Bmarler]

Looks like it’s breaking down. The inside layer is slowly disintegrating. I think you’ll have to replace it.

 

[Bmarler]

I should have asked, how old and what type of flex is it?

 

[HeadedToTexas]

I am not seeing that on mine.

 

[FWT]

Mine is clean

 

[O C Diver]

I would first look at the coils for corrosion. If they look clean I would likely replace the flexible duct. It could be the liner breaking down and the insulation being propelled, or stuff in the duct itself.

My other recommendation is to clean the condenser coils. This is easily done with a foam spray specifically for the purpose. Keeping the coils clean improves efficiency and allows condensation to easily drop off the coils. Unclean coils can lead to ice formation on marginal systems, and also reduce dehumidification.

Lastly, if you have bent fins, straighten them to increase airflow and efficiency. An "air conditioning fin comb" makes it easy.

Ted

 

[Altair38]

My Helmsman 38 PH arrived in October 2024. When we turned on the compressor for heat, we experienced the same problem that you described - debris coming from the AC vent in the pilothouse. We even took a picture of the debris on the pilothouse table. See attached. Our conclusion was that it was sawdust from the construction of the boat. In time it seemed to diminish. We have not used the heat or AC this spring. I will try it the next time that I am on the boat and will let you know if I see anything.

 

[HeadedToTexas]

My bet is on a delaminating flexible air duct.

 

[amxr39]

My Helmsman 38 PH arrived in October 2024. When we turned on the compressor for heat, we experienced the same problem that you described - debris coming from the AC vent in the pilothouse. We even took a picture of the debris on the pilothouse table. See attached. Our conclusion was that it was sawdust from the construction of the boat. In time it seemed to diminish. We have not used the heat or AC this spring. I will try it the next time that I am on the boat and will let you know if I see anything.

I found the problem. I removed the flex duct from the end attached to the vertical duct. I reached in and grabbed half a handful of sawdust. I vacuumed it out thoroughly and no more debris flying out. I also noticed the other end of the flex at the blower was not attached well. There was a ty-rap about 6” up from the flange. Not a lot of room to work so I removed the 4 screws holding the flange to the blower housing and reattached the flex capturing the inner plastic core, the pink fiberglass and the foil outer cover. Reassembled flange to blower and tested. Works great now.

 

[Pprior]

Good detective work and thanks for the update.