September 19, 2021
What are those water spots on the ceiling? Does it look as if the vents are leaking?
If you find water or moisture around your HVAC vents, take action fast! Continue reading to learn more about moisture and water damage around your home’s AC vents.
What causes condensation to form on the air ducts and then leak into your ceiling? Condensation occurs when humid air meets up with the cold air ducts. Think about condensation forming on a cold drink on a hot day. This problem is especially prevalent in the summer due to how hot the air is.
If you have insufficient duct insulation, condensate moisture can appear. Also, if the duct boot—the part that connects the duct to the vent—is not sealed properly or is loose for any reason, condensation may appear.
This happens with your air conditioner because when you have cold air and cold vents but hot air on the outside, condensation will form. Condensation can then drip down and cause moisture on ceilings and walls.
Luckily, this issue can be treated and corrected. And the sooner the better. Spend the time to have the problem addressed professionally. Nobody wants moisture to turn into mold or mildew in their air ducts!
You may need more duct or attic insulation in order to solve the problem. If warm and humid air is coming from the attic, this can cause condensation to form on the cold air ducts and leak. Ask your local HVAC professionals at Service Champions if attic and duct insulation services are the right solution for you.
The water could be coming from an air leak in the vent, or something called the duct boot. The duct boot needs to be properly sealed so cold air won’t escape. When cold air mixes with humid air that’s when the condensation and moisture occur. Mastic sealant can help solve this problem, but speak with a professional first. Additionally, if you haven’t sealed all the seams and connections in your ductwork, we highly recommend doing so. Not only will this prevent the condensation issue we’ve discussed, but you’ll also experience greater energy savings and more comfort.
Condensation can lead to mold and mildew to form in your air ducts. If you identify or suspect mold or mildew is present in your air ducts, contact a professional right away. Mold and mildew is unhealthy, especially if the spores are being circulated around the home by your HVAC system. Address any mold issues immediately.
Obviously, the ideal solution is to have prevented the condensation in the first place. Schedule annual maintenance with Service Champions to ensure that your ducts and system are tight. Sealing gaps and regular maintenance are proven to improve performance and efficiency and lower energy costs as a result.
When it comes to energy efficiency and air flow, the tighter the better. Learn about our signature PureFlow™ Duct System. Air will not escape, and condensation will not be created as a result. Moisture can be avoided with proper care and repair of your system. Sign up for a home maintenance plan to ensure annual professional inspections for your heating and cooling system.
Important: Ensure that the ceiling stain is from air conditioner condensation and not from a roof leak or plumbing concern. You may also see condensation and water stains around the bathroom exhaust fan for the same reason as the AC vents.
Learn what to do if you find water around the indoor air handler.
When left untreated, condensation can lead to expensive water damage and moldy conditions. If you notice water leaks around the HVAC system, Ask a Champion!