Living in San Jose, CA comes with a lot of perks. One is excellent year-round temperatures. But sometimes the heat and humidity can get intense, especially in summer months. And HVAC units get put to the test, working overtime to keep you cool and comfortable. With air conditioning units working so hard, it is not uncommon for condensation to form on the ductwork. While “sweating” is not always a cause for concern, you will want to take precautions and do what you can to resolve the issue.
What Causes the Condensation?
As with condensation forming on your windows or mirror, the cooler surface of the ductwork comes in contact with warm, more humid air. Warm air can hold more moisture and cool air can’t. So when the warm air gets cooled quickly, it instantly forms beads of water on the cool surface as air releases the moisture. The colder the air in the ducts and the more humid the outside air, the more chance you will form condensation. Ductwork in crawl spaces and attics is especially vulnerable because there is more heat and moisture in the air. Too much moisture from condensation can cause mildew, mold, and even structural damage if not controlled. This is why proper ventilation and insulation is key.
How to Prevent Condensation
There are two main causes for condensation on your ductwork: improper insulation and excessive natural moisture in the air. As such, there are two main solutions.
The first is to warm the surface of the ductwork. This is where insulation comes into play. You can add insulation to the outside of the ducts to keep the surface warm. Just be sure the insulation is enclosed in a vapor barrier so that any moisture that does form does not move through the insulation itself. You also want to be sure all the joints in the ducts are properly sealed.
The second solution is lowering humidity by drying the air around the ducts. First, you want to make sure there is enough space around ducts. In the crawlspace, you want to have a vapor barrier covering the soil. You can also try to increase ventilation, but be careful because this can actually increase humidity. If necessary, add a dehumidifier.
Dirty air filters can also restrict air flow, causing colder air to accumulate inside the ducts. If you keep your filters clean and do not close more than a couple of registers inside your home, it can improve airflow and reduce condensation.
If you have an old unit and outdated ductwork, you can also have the entire thing replaced with the right budget in place. Modern ductwork has insulation and a vapor barrier built-in. Then you shouldn’t have to worry about condensation, leaks, or mold.
Care for your Air Conditioning Unit in San Jose, CA
Most condensation issues come as the result of poor or improper insulation. Fixing the insulation can usually correct a condensation problem. If you have questions about your air conditioning in San Jose, CA, or need help with installing proper insulation, call Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning at (669) 219-8957. Or you can visit us at 1045 N 10th St., San Jose, CA 95112.
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