Your duct system is responsible for circulating air throughout your home. Controlling moisture is the most effective way to prevent biological growth in all types of air ducts.
Having a professional company clean and inspect your ducts regularly is key. In addition, monitoring and inspecting your system on your own between services could help you identify issues before they cause major problems.
Here are some simple tips to help prevent moisture in air ducts:
Remove Standing Water
This may seem like a no-brainer, it’s an often-neglected task. Identify and correct any water leaks or standing water. Remove standing water under cooling coils of air handling units by making sure that drain pans slope toward the drain.
Humidifiers
Check to make sure that any humidifiers being used in your property are set-up and maintained correctly. This includes emptying all leftover water, wiping all of the component’s surfaces with a towel and refilling the humidifier with clean water. If a humidifier is not operating properly, excessive wetness or humidity can accumulate, causing mold to start growing inside your duct system.
Access to Units
All air handling units should be constructed so that maintenance personnel have easy, direct access to heat exchange components and drain pans for proper cleaning and maintenance.
Look for Damp Materials
Keep an eye out for fiber glass, or any other insulation material that is wet or visibly moldy (or if an unacceptable odor is present). This material should be removed and replaced by a qualified heating and cooling system professional.
