When it comes to your air ducts, moisture must be kept at bay.The most effective way to prevent the growth of biological organisms in the air ducts is to control the moisture. At A-1 Better Handyman we’ve got some ways that you can keep moisture out and protect your air system.
How Do Air Ducts Get Wet?
Moisture can get into your duct system by way of leaks or if the system was installed or serviced improperly. According to research, a major factor in the presence of moisture in a system may be condensation on or around an air conditioner’s cooling coils. Condensation develops when the temperature on a surface is below the dew point temperature of the air around the surface. If you have condensation or high relative humidity, it is more likely that you may also have mold growth in your ducts.
How Can Moisture Be Prevented?
Preventing moisture is not easy, but there are some things you can do, such as:
- Repair water damage and leaks properly and promptly.
- Ensure that your ducts are sealed and insulated in spaces in your house that are not air-conditioned, such as crawl spaces and attics. This will help keep the moisture caused by condensation from getting into your system. Keeping moisture out is important in order for your system to work as it should. The heating and cooling system has to be insulated properly in order to prevent condensation.
- Check the cooling coils of your system carefully. Since their purpose is to remove water from the air, they can be a big source of moisture that gets into the system. You should ensure that the condensate pan drains as it should. If you see a lot of debris and/or standing water, you should suspect there is a problem and deal with it immediately. Also check for wet spots on the insulation near the cooling coils.
- If you buy a new air-conditioning system, make sure that the unit you buy is the right size for what you need it to do. Also make sure that when it is installed, the ducts are sealed at the joints. If you get a unit that is too large for your needs, it will cycle off and on a lot, and therefore will not be efficient in removing moisture, especially in places with high humidity. Also pick a new system that has been designed to effectively manage condensation.
If you’re concerned about the quality and health of your air ducts, call us at A-1 Better Handyman today and we can provide the proper servicing and repairs to get your system functioning safely. Call or click here for a free quote.