Have you noticed heavy condensation on your air ducts this summer? As much as we love the way air conditioning keeps us cool, it can be confusing and even frustrating to see condensation appear. Why? Because condensation, harmless though it may seem, is anything but! Condensation means moisture, which can damage building materials and even create health issues in your household.
Ready to stop ductwork condensation before it begins? Here’s what homeowners in York, Harrisburg, Carlisle, and Central PA need to know about AC duct sweating in the summer:
What Causes Ductwork Condensation in PA?
When warm, humid air comes into contact with a cold surface like the ductwork to your AC system, the air cools. Cold air can’t hold much moisture, so the warm air leaves behind droplets of water on the cold surface. These collect over time and can create many problems.
Why Is Condensation a Bad Thing?
When condensation accumulates and starts dripping, it’s unlikely to stop, which creates the possibility of water damage! If ducts in your attic start sweating on your attic insulation, for example, it is almost impossible to dry, which can lead to mold growth and wreak havoc on your home’s indoor air quality. Even worse, if the condensation in your home is bad enough or goes unnoticed for a long time, it can even lead to issues like wood rot which can be costly to resolve.
Long story short? Life is easier when you’re trying to prevent condensation than it is when you have to deal with the problems it can cause. Don’t wait to intervene!
How Can I Prevent Condensation From Forming on my Ducts?
The experts at Energy Smart Home Improvement offer services to solve your condensation problems and set your mind at ease!
Insulation
You might have insulation in your home, but is it living up to its full potential? Insulation needs replacing occasionally, whether due to age, damage, improper installation, or any number of other reasons. Good insulation will help keep your home cooler in the summer months and warmer in the wintertime so your AC won’t have to work as hard to keep heat and humidity out of your home in the first place, leading to less condensation.
Air Sealing
Air sealing might be a terrific option for you, especially if your ducts are sweating especially badly in your basement or attic. Air sealing cuts off gaps in your home that allow heat and humidity to infiltrate and make your systems work harder to keep your home comfortable. In addition to preventing condensation, combining good insulation with air sealing can lower your utility bills by up to 40%!
Unsure Where to Begin? Schedule an Energy Audit!
If your ductwork is constantly covered in condensation but you’re really not sure why, an energy audit is the way to go. The Energy Smart Home Improvement team has top-of-the-line technology to assess the needs of your home and show you how certain upgrades would benefit your home and stop condensation on your ductwork for good.