Do your ducts seem to be raining water? First off, we do want to mention that water isn’t used in any part of the cooling process, and if any part of your air conditioner seems to be “leaking water” this is not the case. But what is happening is that there is excess moisture from humidity–something we’re all too familiar with here in Mooresville and the surrounding areas–and that moisture causes condensation to form.
When it does so on your HVAC air ducts, this is known as duct sweating, or in some cases “raining ducts.”
At this point, you might be thinking, “Phew, so it’s not a problem!”
That’s where you are wrong, unfortunately. Excess moisture–humidity–can cause a host of problems, from property damage to unhealthy mold growth. This is true no matter where your ductwork is located and is especially problematic in basements and crawlspace. But, how and why does this condensation occur, and what can be done about it? Read on!
How Does Condensation Form?
This happens when water vapor in the air collects in liquid form. The colder the air, the more likely it is for condensation to occur. Your air conditioner’s ductwork is going to be cool while your system is running, naturally. So when it’s surrounded by humid air, that means condensation will form on the ducts. Think about how condensation forms on the outside of a can of soda or a glass of water–it’s just like that!
When air is holding as much water as possible, that means the relative humidity level is at 100%. Humidity levels should be somewhere between 30-50% to not only maintain comfort but to prevent that condensation from occurring.
From water leakage into your home to the development of mold and mildew, it’s important to address this problem. The best thing you can do for your system is to upgrade your ductwork to that which includes insulate and a vapor barrier built-in. This isn’t your only option, however.
Tackling Ductwork Condensation
In order to prevent condensation from forming on your ductwork and avoid the subsequent problems with that, there are a few steps you can take, including:
- Insulating your ductwork: This prevents the exchange of the cooler air going through your ducts with the humidity surrounding it.
- Air Sealing: This means eliminating any cracks or gaps in the walls surrounding your ductwork. Air sealing helps keep humidity out of the way of your HVAC system, and also the rest of your home.
- Dehumidify: Installing a whole-house dehumidifier is a solution to not only duct sweating, but also the discomfort you can experience in your home due to poor air quality.
Be sure to reach out to our team for professional assistance! Installing insulation or indoor air quality products isn’t something that should be left to a DIY project. You could unintentionally do more harm than good to your ducts and to your comfort. Ask us too about our other indoor air quality products and services!
For quality AC repair in Mooresville, NC, contact Ace Hardware Home Services