Protecting Your Air Ducts from Moisture
12/16/2013 Back To BlogThere should be no moisture inside of the ducts whatsoever. Preventing moisture is the best way to stop biological growth such as fungus in the air duct system. Ducts can gather moisture through leaks and also may occur in the event of an improper installation and servicing. Research has found that common condensation that happens when the surface temperature is less than the specified dew point temperature of surround air by the cooling coils of the A/C has a lot to do with moisture contaminating the system. High levels of humidity and condensation is an indicator of the possibility of growing mold in the ducts. Here are some helpful tips to use to keep moisture out of your ducts.
Check Coils
The best way to prevent moisture is by instantly repairing leaks and water damage as soon as they are discovered. The cooling coils are supposed to remove the water from the air so pay attention to them because they can be the main cause of moisture contamination. Also make sure the condensation pan is draining properly. Standing water in the air duct system can be a major problem for the ventilation system. Check for wet spots around the coils.
Proper Seals
The ducts should be completely sealed and insulated in all of the spaces that are not air conditioned. This will stop moisture from going into the system which prevents it from working as it should. Properly insulating the cooling and heating system will prevent water condensation. Make sure all of the air ducts are sealed at the joints. This is helpful when installing a brand new unit; it should be the perfect size. An oversized unit will power on and off frequently, causing inadequate moisture removal. This is definitely the case where there is high humidity. Make sure your HVAC system is capable of handling condensation effectively. Air duct cleaning alhambra recommends having your ventilation system inspected at least once a year.