Condensation In Attic Ductwork

When the hot humid attic air contacts the cold duct or the cold duct boot the moisture in the air condenses on the cold surface just like the condensation that happens on a cold can of beer.

Condensation in attic ductwork. During periods of high humidity and high temperatures the conditions are ideal for condensation to form on improperly insulated ductwork in your home s attic. If not condensation will form in the ducts when the heat hits the cold duct. Also whenever you cook and especially when you take a shower this will dump additional moisture into the attic ducts. It s a natural process and similar to the way a chilled soda begins to sweat once you take it out of the refrigerator on a hot day.

Condensation forms when warm moist air comes into contact with cool surfaces. The attic ductwork is flex duct work. Condensation forms when warm humid air comes into contact with a colder surface like your air conditioner s ductwork. When ductwork is touching it forms a very cold spot where they are touching thus condensation begins.

Vapor barrier on the attic side of the duct s insulation is compromised. Recently i had another hvac company come out and put in a new bathroom vent and they told me they believed the duct work was full of water. Condensation forms when the water vapor in the air drops out of suspension and condenses into a liquid form. Even though the air conditioning equipment appears to be operating normally humidity inside the house is between 60 and 65 and return ducts located in the attic show significant condensation.

Let s say your ductwork is in your attic. Ductwork located in an attic must be hung properly so that the insulation can do its job. It was new when the ac was put in 7 years ago. The colder the air is inside the duct the greater the chance of ductwork sweating.

The 1 746 square foot house has r 19 insulation between the rafters and between r 15 and r 20 of rigid foam above the roof sheathing. As the humidity level rises outdoors condensation will gradually begin to form on the surface of your air conditioning ducts. The air in your vented attic is hot and humid just like all outdoor air in florida. There are two main ways to solve this problem.

Condensation will begin to drip onto your attic insulation making it less effective at regulating temperatures inside your home. All you need is a sag in the line or a level area and water will accumulate. The last usual cause for condensation on a duct system is if the ducts are not properly hung or they are touching each other. Dripping condensation may also lead to a ceiling leak which not only looks bad but also rots drywall and can cause your ceiling to collapse over time.