The Dangers of Water Buildup in Air Ducts

The air we breathe may be invisible, but we can clearly see its impact on our quality of life. Breathing clean air can limit your intake of allergens and asthma triggers, keeping your lungs happy and healthy.

One easy way to make sure you’re breathing clean air is to keep your air ducts clean — it’s as simple as that. Unfortunately, water buildup is a common issue that can interfere with your air ducts and hinder the quality of your air intake. Below, we’ll investigate the dangers of water buildup and offer practical measures you can take to keep the buildup from occurring.

Common Causes of Water Buildup in Air Ducts

Water buildup occurs when low temperatures inside the duct cause moisture to begin forming condensation. Unless it’s heated, this condensation will turn into water and may eventually become ice or frost. The process typically takes place as the weather gets colder, and it will become increasingly problematic as temperatures rise in the spring and summer, causing ice to melt and water damage to occur.

Moisture in your air ducts can also be the result of leaky pipes or wear and tear in your HVAC system.

What Are the Risks?

The most significant risk happens when dust or dirt is present in the air duct. As the water begins to pool, the damp, dark atmosphere can promote the growth of mold, bacteria and fungi, which all come with some potentially serious health risks. Black mold, for example, is toxic and can present a variety of health hazards when it’s inhaled, from irritated eyes to chronic coughing.

Beyond health risks, moisture buildup can lead to serious water damage in your home. As water collects in your walls, ceiling or roof, it can gradually corrode the surrounding materials and lead to decay. Left untreated, it may even damage your home’s structure.

Tips for Preventing Mold and Bacteria Growth

It’s crucial to fix moisture accumulation early to avoid more serious problems. You can set up several preventive measures to stop water damage or at least catch it early. The following steps will help you with water buildup and mold prevention:

• Seal unused A/C vents: Use foam insulation or plastic sheeting to close your air ducts when they’re not in use, especially during the winter months. Doing so will help prevent air from entering and creating moisture.
• Insulate your air ducts: Insulation will lower the risk of condensation building up and forming mold.
• Repair underlying issues: Regular maintenance checks will help you catch any leaking pipes or vents before they become water buildup culprits. Once you’ve noticed a leak, schedule a fix right away to avoid water damage.
• Use a dehumidifier: Mold thrives in humid environments. If certain air ducts in your property regularly see water accumulation, consider setting up a dehumidifier nearby to help prevent condensation. In turn, this device will help keep mold and bacteria from circulating in your air duct system.

Avoid Water Buildup By Signing up for Preventive HVAC Cleaning Services

Ready to take a deep breath without worrying about your indoor air quality? We can help with that. Unlimited Restoration offers an array of specialized services, including HVAC cleaning. We can tackle your air ducts with a thorough cleaning, inspection and repair services aimed at keeping you breathing fresh, clean air for a long time to come. Check out our services and give us a call if you have any questions.