How to Prevent Condensation on HVAC Ductwork?

Condensation is a major problem when it comes to HVAC ductwork, often necessitating AC repairs. If your HVAC has a condensation issue, this can significantly impact the performance of the air conditioning in particular. Condensation will also deteriorate various components of the HVAC, leading to expensive repairs or replacements. This is why it is important to avoid HVAC condensation or resolve it at the earliest as soon as you identify it.

What is HVAC Ductwork Condensation?

Condensation is when water droplets form on the outside of your HVAC ductwork. It is similar to how the exterior of a cold glass of water has tiny beads of water on the exterior glass surface. Condensation is a result of many factors. The key reason is simply a difference in the temperature between the two areas. When the air inside the HVAC is very cold in comparison to the environment outside, for instance, this can cause water beads to form upon the exterior surface of the ducts.

Condensation can also be caused by overcooling or poor water removal of the HVAC. If the air conditioning is not removing air moisture properly or the drainage is blocked, this causes water content to build up in the air conditioning. As a result, you may experience water droplets, leaks, and even ice forming up on HVAC components. These are all clear indications that your AC’s performance problems are causing condensation.

Before you go ahead and resolve an HVAC condensation issue, it is important to first identify the precise cause of the problem. Here are some tips on how to locate the cause.

Identifying the Cause of Ductwork Condensation

There are a number of telltale signs that indicate that the air conditioning is not working properly. Many of these signs may also reveal the actual root cause of the condensation on ducts. Here are some of these signs that you can spot on your own:

  • Poor Airflow. If you experience poor airflow from the ducts, this is an indication that there is an obstruction. This obstruction which is preventing the air to flow freely inside the ducts may also trap moisture and cause condensation buildup.
  • Funny Smells. If the air coming from the ducts smells pungent or unusual in any other way, this belies an internal problem. The problem may be an air filter that is clogged or not working properly, a rodent problem, or a blockage of some kind.
  • Leaky Ducts. Ducts may develop leaks during the installation phase or over time. These leaks then allow the dry air to escape the ductwork and moist air to enter the ducts. This can lead to moisture buildup in the ducts, causing condensation.
  • Low Refrigerant. The right amount of refrigerant in your AC is needed to cool the air at the desired temperature. If the refrigerant level is lower, this reduces the pressure within the evaporator coils, leading to a lower temperature at the same time. As a result, the evaporator and the suction line may ice over. In this way, problems with refrigerant levels directly contribute to condensation.

Resolving HVAC Ductwork Condensation

Prevention is the best cure, so it is always a good idea to prevent condensation in the first place. You can achieve this through routine maintenance and upkeep of your HVAC system. However, if you already have a condensation problem caused by one of the issues listed above, here are some solutions you can use to resolve it:

  • In the case of an obstruction causing condensation, a quick solution is to locate and remove the obstruction. Common obstructions include a cloth trapped inside the ducts, a dead rodent, or debris of any other kind left behind during installation.
  • Airflow issues leading to condensation can be resolved by cleaning or replacing the air filter.
  • If a dirty evaporator coil is causing the problem, you can clean it up on your own.
  • In the case of a low refrigerant level leading to condensation and icing, you will need the help of professional HVAC technicians to top up the coolant.

Finding Reliable Greenville HVAC Experts

If you are experiencing condensation on your HVAC ducts in Greenville, we can help you. Here at General Air, our seasoned HVAC experts are equipped, trained, and experienced in resolving any and all HVAC problems. With our help, you can quickly identify and locate the cause of condensation and then have it resolved without wasting any time. Give us a call to get a free estimate on any HVAC job or hire our services right today.