The presence of small droplets of water or condensation on your air ducts may seem like a triviality and no cause for real concern. After all, it’s only water and there is no real harm to your ducts or HVAC system. But, this is the wrong conclusion, gradually these drops of water will accumulate in nearby areas and they can cause serious water damage. Some vulnerable areas may include carpets, ceilings, drywall, wooden floors, and more. At first, you may notice unsightly water stains spreading on the surfaces, but this situation will become worse over time. In this article, we will examine this problem in more detail and offer a solution to fix it quickly.
Is This Really a Big Deal?
The short answer is yes. Although some people may be able to live with unsightly stains this is simply the earliest manifestation of a wider set of potential problems. If the water makes its way into the furnace or air conditioning systems, it can cause a great deal of damage. Sufficient volumes of water that are left in place for too long can even wear away at wooden supports to weaken the structural integrity of the entire home.
There are also serious health concerns, damp indoor areas are prone to mold and mildew growth. Aside from ugly black stains and a foul damp odor, there will be an accompanying release of mold spores. These will circulate throughout your home and they will lower the indoor air quality (IAQ) significantly. The first people to notice the drop in IAQ will be those with allergies, asthma sufferers, and people with pre-existing respiratory illnesses. It’s also important to understand that condensation may be related to the climate or it could be an indication that there is a problem in your HVAC system.
The Environmental Causes of Ductwork Condensation
We can observe in nature the relationship between the air temperature and surfaces where condensation can collect. This can occur in your home too, big temperature variances may be present if you have higher humidity levels. There are two main approaches if you want to solve this problem and reduce the condensation levels.
First, you can run a dehumidifier unit to remove the excess humidity from the indoor air. Second, you can insulate the air ducts to warm them up and reduce the temperature differences. Insulated ducts have protected air temperatures from the external conditions and a lack of contact will prevent the accumulation of condensation. If you’re not sure how to proceed, contact your local HVAC specialist and they will be happy to help.
If these approaches are ineffective, the problem may lie in your HVAC system. If this is the case, it’s important to get that problem fixed before you go ahead and insulate your air ducts. This may fix the condensation problem, but duct insulation is a great upgrade anyway because it can reduce strain on your heating and cooling equipment.
6 HVAC Problems That Can Cause Condensation
As we mentioned above, there are certain HVAC problems that can cause condensation problems in your home. They include:
1. A Dirty Air Filter
We’ve placed this at the top of the list because it’s the most common cause of many issues, including condensation. This is strange because this is the easiest problem to avoid with regular filter cleaning or changes and no special tools or skills are needed. Every day the air is cycled through the filter multiple times and this includes airborne debris including pet dander, hair, skin cells, dust, dirt, and more. These materials will gradually clog the filter surface which reduces the volume of air that can pass through. This can create condensation issues and it will cause the equipment to overwork. This can lead to an unexpected repair bill or an earlier than expected replacement.
2. Vent Clogs
Another area where the airflow can be diminished is the vents and they can become clogged, much like the air filter. A clog in this location may prevent the airflow to the point where the temperature is increased. Again, this temperature difference typically leads to the creation of condensation. Another problem is that standing water is a prime breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Air pushed through the ducts will distribute those germs and mold spores throughout the home leading to a loss of IAQ. The best way to deal with this problem is to contact a local HVAC company and ask them about their duct cleaning services.
3. A Broken Fan
The treated air (warm or cool) is pushed through the ductwork system by a fan. If that fan is not working properly, the efficiency of the HVAC system will be diminished. When the air that’s coming from the vents is not the same as the air in the rooms, it’s a problem. Again, a temperature variance is created and this creates the ideal conditions for condensation problems. A broken fan will cause a lack of air at the vents or you may hear a grinding noise as the fan vibrates or grinds against its housing. If you suspect that your HVAC system fan is broken, it’s time to contact your local HVAC company and get it repaired.
4. Air Duct Leaks
Even a tiny air duct leak or crack can cause localized condensation at that point. Over time, the condensation will accumulate, pool, and then drip onto the floor or other surfaces. Air duct leaks also affect the efficiency of the entire system because the treated air is lost in other parts of the home. Get your air ducts leaks identified and fixed quickly by your local HVAC company.
5. Refrigerant Leaks
When refrigerant leaks occur, they will lower the efficiency of the system and they can lead to condensation problems. Refilling or recharging the system is not a task for a handyman because it’s easy to make a mistake or use the incorrect refrigerant.
6. Evaporator Coil Issues
The air conditioner unit has an evaporator coil to remove the heat from the indoor air. This critical component must be cleaned and maintained regularly to work efficiently. Evaporator coil issues can also cause condensation problems that can spread to other parts of your home.
If you’ve noticed condensation on your ducts, contact your local HVAC company today.