Any time there is ductwork in an attic space, there is the chance of the ductwork leaking, coming apart, even dripping water through the ceiling. How does this occur and how can you fix these issue?
Bathroom Vent Fans
Bathroom vent fans are the most common appliance to have ductwork attached to it in the attic. The ductwork from the fan all the way to where it exits that attic through an exterior vent should be insulated with, at minimum, an R-4 fiberglass vent wrap with an exterior vapor barrier to prevent condensation through temperature differential changes. If you see this vent simply dangling in the attic, you will nee to have it ran to an exterior vent. These vents can be installed on the roof and cost about $40.
Heating Ductwork
All heating ductwork should be Insulflex or a related product. Insulflex ductwork is insulated ductwork that is bendable and flexible to go around and over truss members and bend into your registers or diffusers. These ducts should never be metal and should be secured with HVAC tape and zip ties for a proper seal at all junction points. Leakage can cause a great deal of condensation and any holes, creases or openings in the attic need to be sealed completely.
Air Conditioning Ductwork
Much like attic heating ductwork, this needs to be insulated also. Insulflex makes similar ductwork with the proper vapor barriers for air conditioning systems only. Not that these duct tend to be about 1.5 times the size of heating supply ductwork because of the different air densities of hot and cold air and how is moves through ductwork.
Air handlers/Air Conditioning Attic Units
All air conditioning units have an evaporator coil in the unit. If you are noticing water spotting on the ceiling next to the filter return, you probably have a condensation removal tube clog. Simply reach up into the condensate tray and remove the object that is clogging the tube. WARNING: Animals sometimes find their way into attic spaces. Look to see what is clogging the hose before reaching in.
Reasons To Clean Your Air Ducts:
Air ducts can get dirty, and fast. If you’ve never had yours cleaned, then it’s definitely time. If you’re a veteran air duct cleaner then you already know your ducts should get inspected around every three years or so. Unless something major happens within your home, such as a flood, then this three year mark is a good timeline as to when you should have your air ducts looked at this site.
The top three reasons you should give attention to your air ducts are as follows:
1. Mold: No one wants mold in their house, but you especially don’t want mold to hang around in your air ducts. This nasty bacteria can cause tons of health problems for you and your family – not to mention mold can lead to musty smells throughout your home.
2. Dust: This culprit is the leading cause of respiratory problems in children and adults. When dust becomes abundant within your home’s air ducts, it can get released into the air by way of of your heating and air conditioning units. Dust can also trap bugs, mold, allergens, and toxins into your home’s air quality, making it difficult to breathe and enjoy your family’s time in the home.
3. Critters: One of the most important reasons to clean out your air ducts regularly is so no critters make your home theirs. Having small animals and rodents living within your home’s air ducts can lead to major renovation problems. It’s best to nip any of the above problems in the bud before they start. While you can attempt to clean your home’s air ducts yourself, it’s best to contact a professional company to handle the job so that you can rest easy with a piece of mind guarantee that the job was done correctly the first time.
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