The heat and humidity in northern VA and Washington DC are making your central air work extra hard. But wait—what’s that damp spot near the AC duct? Why are my AC ducts sweating? It’s a question we often hear in the heat of summer. Moisture condensing on your ductwork can be a sign that your home needs some attention from the home performance pros at Home Energy Medics.
What Causes Moisture to Collect on AC Ductwork?
When warm, humid air comes into contact with a cool surface, the moisture from the air condenses and turns from vapor to liquid. Your cold glass of iced tea will quickly show beads of water when it’s left on a patio table, out in the sun. The same thing happens with your duct work. The surface of the duct cools when AC is circulating and when warm moist air comes into contact with the cooler duct surface, condensation occurs. The result? Sweaty duct syndrome!
Why is Ductwork Condensation a Big Deal?
It may not seem like a huge issue, but AC condensation points to several problems that can undermine your home’s energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Whenever there’s excess moisture in a structure, mold, mildew and rot are immediate concerns. The causes behind sweaty ducts could also be costing you money. If there is hot, humid air circulating inside your home, even while the air conditioning is running, it is probably getting in through gaps in your walls or ceilings, or because ineffective insulation is failing to keep radiant heat from seeping down from your attic. All issues that reduce your Washington DC home’s energy efficiency, and lead to wasted money on high utility bills.
Solutions for Sweaty Ductwork
If you want to put an end to sweaty ducts, the experts at Home Energy Medics can help! These solutions can solve your excess moisture problems and improve your home performance:
Duct Sealing
Ductwork can be pretty leaky which can be a problem for indoor air quality and your family’s health. When the pros at Home Energy Medics provide duct sealing for your central air system, they’ll be preventing dust, allergens, mold and other pollutants from circulating through your AC system.
Air Sealing
The air sealing process works by closing the tiny—and not so tiny—gaps and cracks in your attic, walls and ceilings. Places where elements like ventilation, chimneys, windows, and ducts connect to the home’s structural components often leave small openings around where they meet the drywall or siding, allowing outside air to infiltrate your living space. When these leaks around connective pathways occur where your AC ductwork is located, like in your attic, they will lead to an increase in the amount of warm moist air in your home, and cause your ducts to sweat.
Insulation
Combining air sealing with improved insulation is one of the best ways to upgrade your Arlington VA home’s comfort and efficiency. If your AC ducts are leaking, there may be mold and dampness damaging your home’s present insulation and rendering it ineffective. New home insulation in summer can keep you cool and comfortable!
A Home Energy Audit can Pinpoint the Cause of Sweaty AC Ducts
Fortunately, the prescription for curing sweaty duct syndrome is available. The performance pros at Home Energy Medics apply building science and practical advice to solve vexing problems like condensation on your ductwork. From comprehensive whole house overview to specific issues, we have a home energy audit that can diagnose the problems and offer meaningful solutions to keep your home cool and dry in the summer.