What makes air ducts sweat




















The function of the condensate drain system is to collect moisture removed from the air and dispose it into a drain. Water leakage can be caused if. Sometimes extreme insulation can cause condensation. This is because insulation warms the indoor area of your building.

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. Excessive moisture in the air. Dirty air filters. Blocked ducts. Leaky ducts, which can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning unit. In older homes, or if ductwork is not properly maintained, ductwork sweating is more likely to become an issue. Occasional condensation on an air conditioning duct is not a problem.

Just keep an eye on the situation because ductwork sweating can lead to water damage. Excessive condensation can also allow mold or mildew to form around the duct itself.

People suffering from asthma and allergies may experience more severe symptoms if mold and mildew start to grow and then spread to other parts of the home. To avoid duct condensation and duct leaking, ducts need to be insulated properly.

When hot, humid air comes into contact with cold metal ductwork, that air is not going to be able to hold as much water vapor as it once could. As a result, water vapor will condense and settle on your ductwork. Condensation will begin to drip onto your attic insulation, making it less effective at regulating temperatures inside your home.

Dripping condensation may also lead to a ceiling leak, which not only looks bad but also rots drywall and can cause your ceiling to collapse over time. Then there is mold growth to consider, as mold thrives in wet, humid areas. Resolving your ductwork woes starts with understanding the underlying cause of your sweating ductwork.

There are two primary causes of sweating ductwork: poor duct insulation and excess indoor humidity. But if you have plumbing and roof leaks or damp basements, those can drive humidity levels up.

If you had a recent indoor flooding or sewer backup problem, that can also raise humidity levels. Cooking without proper ventilation and drying your clothes indoors are also common causes. All these promote indoor condensation, especially when you run your AC. The higher the relative humidity, the greater the odds of your ducts sweating. Why should condensation in your air ducts warrant so much attention? They may look small, but their negative effects on your home and health can be massive.

The more the insulation compresses, the less it can insulate your home. Excessive indoor moisture levels promote bacterial growth, especially in molds. Mold spores can also trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks. Building dampness itself can cause corrosion or decay in building materials. When this happens, your home can lose its thermal capacity. That way, there will be no chance for warm air to reach the cold surfaces of the ducts. No contact between these two means no condensation will occur.

If you do have insulation but it has cracks or tears, get that repaired or replaced. The insulating materials should be a snug fit around the ducts, otherwise, warm air can still seep in.

Dirty filters can also contribute to duct sweating because they restrict airflow.



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