Why are my air conditioning ducts sweating? This a common question our technicians receive since many homeowners believe it to be a problem. While condensation on the outside of your air ducts is normal, an abundance of condensation can serve to be a problem.
This is a common occurrence for most ducts, but there are many ways you can solve it. Fresh Air Duct Cleaning often examines air ducts to ensure they meet efficiency standards for our clients. When they fail to meet those standards, we make recommendations to our clients to continue saving money on their heating and cooling bills.
If your air ducts are sweating, our team can examine them to provide a professional opinion and potentially a solution.
Why Are My Air Conditioning Ducts Sweating?
The cause of sweating is due to the duct’s outside surface temperature being below the dew point of the air surrounding the duct. Metal draws cooler temperatures, likely from the air passing through the duct. As the cooler air passes, it cools the duct. The air outside of the duct is often cooler, so condensation forms on the metal.
The same process occurs with a glass of cold water on a hot day. The temperature of the glass and the water is cooler than the surrounding air. Because of this, water condenses, and sweat appears on the side of the glass.
Condensation on your air ducts is common and shouldn’t be considered an issue at first glance. However, consistent sweating of your duct can become a problem. The best thing you can do is continue observing your duct and contacting Fresh Air Duct Cleaning if the problem persists.
The Problem With AC Duct Condensation
The biggest problem associated with ductwork developing condensation is water damage. As time goes on, condensation can cause significant damage to nearby materials such as brick, wood, and drywall. The approximate cost of water damage cleanup and removal in the United States is $13 billion every year. Furthermore, 14,000 Americans face a water damage emergency every day.
With such profound statistics related to water damage, it is important you have your ducts inspected and corrected with condensation is too great. Fortunately, there are solutions to this prevalent problem. Fresh Air Duct Cleaning can implement these solutions, so you save money.
Solutions For Sweating Air Conditioning Ducts
There are a handful of solutions you can implement when it comes to sweating air conditioning ducts. The first recommendation is to have your air duct cleaned. A cause of sweating ducts may be a blockage. When air is blocked in certain areas, cool air will collect and reduce the duct’s surface temperature. As a result, it begins to sweat. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends you have your air ducts cleaned every three to four years.
If a blockage is not the cause, reducing the humidity levels around your ducts is the next best option. Insulation is the best way you can maintain the temperature of your ductwork. In some cases, insulation is not able to fit around the duct as a crawlspace or the addict.
In these cases, you should ensure they are properly sealed. Fill any cracks, holes, or ways air from the outside can enter the home. For more humid environments, dehumidifiers are a great way to reduce the amount of moisture in the air.
Are Your Air Conditioning Ducts Sweating?
If your ducts are sweating, our team can assist you in providing a solution. We would also love to clean your ducts to ensure there are no blockages and your home is significantly healthier. Give us a call at (214) 272-9715 to learn more about our services. You can also learn more about our services by visiting our air duct cleaning service page.