A last step to ensure the air around your ductwork stays at low humidity levels is to install a dehumidifier , which is particularly helpful if your ductwork is in your attic or crawl space. A dehumidifier keeps the moisture in your home at healthy levels year-round, eliminating condensation on plumbing and ductwork, and improving indoor air quality.
The specialists at Pippin Brothers are experts in humidity control and ductwork. Our consultations take into consideration the unique conditions in your home to ensure the work we recommend is the work that improves your home comfort and performance for years to come. Skip to main content. Are You Dealing with Sweaty Ductwork? February 27, Generally, warm air holds more moisture and makes the inside of your building more humid.
However, temperature changes allow the building to become cooler in the evening. This prompts the air inside to cool down and release moisture, which results in condensation. Wrapping your AC ductwork is an effective way to prevent condensation. Duct wrap has a foam insulation inner layer and a foil outer layer.
Cleanly wrap it around the AC duct and fasten with duct tape near the joints. This is because the liquid in the can is colder than the outdoor dew point so condensation starts to form. This is very similar to what happens when air ducts are sweating. In a properly functioning air conditioning system the air leaving the top of the unit is typically around 20 degrees colder than whatever the thermostat is set at.
So if the thermostat is sitting at 74 degrees the air being pushed into the duct system is going to be right around 54 degrees. If we take into consideration that on a hot summer day the attic where your ducts live can be as warm as degrees, that difference in the temperature is what can cause the condensation to begin. Any time you have cold and hot air meeting here comes the rain.
The next question is what type of ductwork do you have? Different types of ducts sweat for different reasons. Persistent ductwork sweating may eventually lead to water damage.
Excessive condensation can also create conditions favorable to mold or mildew forming in areas surrounding the duct itself. Individuals suffering from asthma and allergies may experience more severe symptoms should mold and mildew establish themselves and then spread to other parts of your home.
To avoid duct condensation and duct leaking, choose flexible, fiberglass and insulated materials rather than metal. If you do have metal ducts, check to make sure they are properly wrapped with fiberglass insulation.
While a good fit is needed, insulation that is wrapped too tightly will be less effective at reducing ductwork sweating. If you are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to have an HVAC professional diagnose the cause of your ductwork sweating and fix the problem. If your air conditioner is not performing as well as it once did, American Home Shield can help.
Learn why getting a professional HVAC tune-up every spring is so important and what to look for in a thorough job. Check out these 9 tips for getting your HVAC system ready for colder weather. Learn how you can help keep your home healthy with these tips for better indoor air quality. Search the blog.
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