What to Do If Water Is in Your HVAC Duct

Water and HVAC systems don’t get along. That’s why spotting water in the HVAC duct is an immediate cause for concern. Follow this guide to help you understand the issue better, learn how to remove water from your air ducts, and take steps to prevent a recurring problem.

Causes of Standing Water in HVAC Ducts

Water may be accumulating in your air ducts for several reasons:

• Condensation is the leading cause. When warm air comes in contact with a cool surface, like metal ductwork walls, it forms water droplets. This happens most often in the summer when the air conditioner is running.
• A leaky HVAC system may allow water to seep into your ducts.
• Poor installation of the HVAC system or ductwork can create areas where water accumulates.

Signs and Symptoms of Water in Your HVAC System

Knowing what to look out for is crucial so you can identify the source of water in your AC vent. Ignoring the problem could lead to mold, rust, higher energy costs, and poor indoor air quality. Here’s how to tell you might have water in your HVAC system:

• Unusual noises, such as dripping water or sloshing sounds, may indicate standing water in the ducts.
• Musty odors are a clear sign of water and possible mold growth in the HVAC system.
• Water leaking from your AC vent is a telltale sign of a problem.

Techniques for Removing Water From the Air Ducts

If you spot water in an AC vent, take the following steps:

• Remove standing water using a wet/dry vacuum or a water pump.
• Dry the ducts completely to prevent mold growth. Fans and dehumidifiers can speed up the process.
• Repair leaks or other water sources promptly to prevent further trouble.
• Call a professional if the problem persists or is too much for you to handle.

Tips to Prevent Future Water Accumulation

Prevention is the best medicine. Keep water out of your vents from here on out with these tips:

• Hire an experienced HVAC technician to install your furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork correctly from the get-go.
• Schedule regular HVAC maintenance to catch and correct potential issues before they escalate into leaks.
• Insulate the ductwork to prevent condensation, the leading cause of water in your HVAC duct.
• Monitor the indoor humidity level and take steps to keep it at 50 percent or lower to avoid excess condensation in the air vents.

Call the Professionals

While it’s essential to remove water from the HVAC duct promptly, this can be a complex process demanding professional help. That’s where Pacific Flood Restoration comes in. We’re a dependable and punctual team providing 24-hour water damage restoration in San Diego, CA. No project is too large for us, but we still maintain the personal touch of an owner-operated business. With us, you’re guaranteed transparency, high customer care, and professionalism. Call us today at 760-815-3033 or contact us online for help removing water from your HVAC system.