A/C ductwork condensation

Wild Bill

There is a local meditation center that has some ductwork in it for heating only that has a "liner" in it of some sort to keep noise down (no idea of the manufacturer).The center wants to add A/C, there is concern about condensation inside the ductwork that might be absorbed by the liner material and become a breeding ground for all sorts of little nasties. My questions are 1) is the concern for condensation on the inside of the duct legitimate???and 2) Any idea of a manufacturer on this type of ductwork??? Nothing at all was on the Web.

Thank you,
Bill Hobbie

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Copy/paste this string to Google and search

HVAC duct "interior insulation" condensation mildew mold

I think you'll find more than enough information to make you think twice before using interior fibered (or similar) insulation in HVAC systems.

ed wallace

ductwork condensation

personnally i would never line the inside of a duct or install fiberglass duct to much chance of mold build up

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don_42

Inside liner

the only time I have seen inside liner wet is when the static is to high pulling the condensate off the coil or the
drain line is clogged.

What I have seen with inside liner is lots of dust hanging
off it like mushroom clouds.
Inside duct liner to me is like carpet in a home,a bad move
if you want IAQ to be its best.

JimGPE_12

Direct answer to your question:

No, condensation inside the duct will not be a problem. As someone already said, moisture blow-off from the cooling coil might be a problem, but that will be the only source of moisture in your liner.

If you avoid moisture blow off, I don't believe the liner is going to be any more "alive" with cooling than is is with just heating.

Your bigger condensation problem would be if the liner is not continuous and you have some bare duct in contact with the cool air and the duct is in a non-conditioned space. In that case the OUTSIDE of the duct may sweat.

The previous posters are correct, for the very best in IAQ you don't want liner, but there are thousands upon thousands of buildings that have liner and are not killing anyone. I don't heasitate to use it carefully. Getting rid of the liner causes other problems, most noteably sound issues.

ernie_3

hence

the name accoustic lining.