Why Is My Ductwork Sweating? The Real Culprit Behind That Basement Moisture
During these hot and humid summer days, Eco often gets calls from homeowners concerned about their ductwork “sweating” in the basement. It’s a common issue, but the good news is, it’s not necessarily a problem with your HVAC system.
In fact, when you see condensation forming on your ductwork, it usually means you have a humidity problem, not a mechanical one.
What’s Really Happening?
Think of your ductwork like a cold soda can sitting outside on a humid day. When cool, conditioned air moves through metal ducts surrounded by damp basement air, condensation forms on the outside of those ducts. That’s exactly what’s happening in your home, especially if your furnace or air handler is located in the basement or crawl space.
What to Check ✔️
Start by checking the Relative Humidity (RH) around your HVAC equipment. If your RH is reading 60% or higher, you’ve likely found the source of the problem. High humidity levels are very common in basements during summer, especially when there’s poor ventilation or moisture coming from the foundation.
Why Insulating Ductwork Isn’t Enough
Many homeowners assume that simply insulating the ductwork will fix the issue. While insulation may help reduce the appearance of condensation, it doesn’t solve the root cause: excess humidity.
The Real Solution: Remove Moisture at the Source
We recommend focusing on humidity control, starting at the source, which is often the basement or crawl space. One way to do that is by adding a dehumidifier.
Portable dehumidifiers (like the ones you can buy at a home improvement store) can help, but they typically max out at 70 pints per day and aren’t designed to handle the constant, large-scale moisture many homes experience.
At Eco, we offer professional-grade standalone dehumidifiers in 80-pint, 100-pint, and 130-pint capacities. These are designed to efficiently manage basement moisture levels and create a more stable environment for your HVAC system—and your home!
Benefits of a Dehumidifier:
- Prevents duct sweating and potential water damage
- Improves indoor air quality
- Reduces mold and mildew risks
- Increases HVAC efficiency
Let Us Help
If you’re noticing sweaty ducts or musty smells in your basement, we’re here to help. Our team can check humidity levels, recommend the right dehumidifier, and get your system running comfortably again. Give us a call today to schedule a visit, or conveniently book your appointment online.Â
