Dear Dave,
Why does our ceiling A/C unit spit out black Styrofoam pieces? —Brenda, 2024 Grand Design Transcend One
Dear Brenda,
According to the Grand Design website, the Transcend One is available in five floorplans, starting with the smaller 12’ model and going up to 20’. The larger models appear to have a ducted roof air conditioner system. That means there is a central unit and ductwork incorporated into the ceiling rather than the air blowing straight out of the unit.
The reason this is important is that the black Styrofoam pieces you are describing most likely are loose pieces from the cut out duct, and I believe they might be full of mold.
Most manufacturers cut or route the ducting for the air conditioner airflow as it is less time-consuming and cheaper. This creates loose material and oftentimes the first few start-ups of the air conditioner create what customers feel is a snowing effect! The insulation in most roof construction is a beadboard type, which is the smaller pellets like white Styrofoam coffee cups.
Possible airflow issue
I believe your air conditioner has an airflow issue. It might be caused by a loose baffle or other obstruction in the air chamber by the fan and it is building up condensation. If that is not “aired” out, it will cause mold to accumulate in that area.
I do not know of any material that would be black Styrofoam, unless Grand Design decided to paint the duct—which I have not seen before. However, as I often state, I have learned to never say never when it comes to RV manufacturers!
I would inspect the black pieces and maybe even have an HVAC professional inspect the chamber and the particles. If it is mold, you will need to have someone do a mold mitigation procedure and get the airflow issue resolved.
You might also enjoy these posts from Dave
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Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
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