One common problem that pops up in homes with central air conditioning is water seemingly getting into your home’s air ducts. The truth is, water in your air ducts isn’t always a big deal, and sometimes the fix is quick and easy.
You’ll still want to make sure you take a closer look, however, to prevent potential mold growth from causing harmful and expensive-to-repair problems in the future.
How does water get inside your home’s air ducts? Let’s take a look.
What Are Some Ways Water Can Get Into Air Ducts?
There are a few different ways for water to find its way on or into your air ducts, including:
1. Condensation Buildup Due to Temperature Changes
As the air heats up and your air conditioning is hard at work keeping your home cool and comfortable, the outside of your ductwork may come into contact with much warmer, far more humid outdoor air. In homes without good ventilation in the attic or crawl space, this is especially common.
That warm air cools down below its dew point when it hits the cold air duct, causing moisture that beads up on the outside. The usual fix for this problem involves simply improving the ventilation in the space around the ductwork.
2. Improperly Sealed Openings
Many homeowners believe this only happens in older homes, but we’ve found improper sealing even in new construction. If pipes venting to an attic aren’t properly sealed, it lets in warmer air, causing that condensation to build up.
Fixing this problem usually involves sealing areas where exterior air is getting into the spot where your main AC system is housed. You’ll want to use a high-quality sealant or you’ll just end up having to do it again within a few months or a year.
3. Does Your HVAC Lack Proper Insulation?
Insulation becomes less and less effective as it ages, especially when exposed to outdoor air. Over time, you may discover condensation is beginning to build up due to your insulation simply not performing the job it’s designed for as efficiently as it used to.
Your local HVAC repair company should be able to easily replace old or ineffective insulation.
4. Clogged Condensate Drain
If you’re seeing serious water buildup inside your air vent, you may have a clogged condensate drain line. You can find out if this is the problem by looking at your outdoor condenser unit. Check the drip pan to see if it’s overflowing or very full. If so, a clogged condensate drain line is likely causing the water buildup in your air ducts.
You may also notice rust buildup on your furnace. If you see rust on your furnace, you’re at risk of serious failure and your home safety could be at risk. Call your home heating and cooling repair company immediately to schedule a repair.
For Air Duct Repair & Maintenance in the Greater Philadelphia Area, Call Today
Water damage in your home’s air ducts can lead to a variety of issues, from mold growth to poor indoor air quality. If you suspect water has infiltrated your air ducts, it’s crucial to act quickly to prevent further damage.
At Donnelly’s Cooling, Heating & Plumbing, we specialize in comprehensive air duct repairs and maintenance to keep your home’s HVAC system running smoothly. Contact us for expert service in the Lansdale, PA, area, and ensure your air ducts stay clean and dry year-round.
