Fix for Air Duct Condensation?

I just moved into a manufactured home, a double wide that is 28 years old. I just replaced the A/C in it and have noticed just a couple of times already that there's moisture coming from the air vents that are closet to the A/C unit. I live in Florida where it is very humid in the summer, which is the season that it happens to be right now. Should I have the duct work of my A/C unit replaced and if so, how does someone even get into that are, given there is no attic space to maneuver in? Should I provide more ventilation to the attic area? Or should I get a dehumidifier and open the windows every now and then? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have tried to research this matter and not sure what course of action I should try to take. Thanks!

Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!

Answer

cybergrannie
Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks

July 29, 20170 found this helpful

I also live in Florida and I can attest to how this can happen, even in regular homes but with an older mobile home this is probably going to be a pretty big job.
The AC duct work is 28 years old and most likely has leaks that will not only cause moisture build up but may cause mold (or already has) and is using a lot of extra electricity that is just going in your attic.
I would suggest buying a dehumidifier first because that is a quick fix and you will never be sorry you bought it, even after you have your AC problem fixed. Have you checked your closets for mold or moisture on the walls and baseboards? You may have this problem also.

I cannot believe a company installed a new AC unit and did not talk to you about doing repairs to the duct work but if they are no mobile home installers they probably would not even want to do that kind of work. By the way - there is probably enough room (barely) for someone to work in your attic.
I would recommend you look up mobile home repairs/companies on Google (your zip) and get at least 2 companies to give you an estimate on what it will cost to fix your problem.
You may read all kinds of "solutions" on the Internet but I believe these will be band-aids to your problem. Just make sure you let anyone giving you advice know this is a 28 year old mobile home and has most likely never had duct work repairs.

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Judy
Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts

July 29, 20170 found this helpful

You can try a dehumidifier first. There are also absorbing bags that can also be used. 28 years for ducts is a long time. It really has reached its lifespan

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

mom-from-missouri
Silver Post Medal for All Time! 255 Posts

July 30, 20171 found this helpful

Have the ac installers come back out. If they missed sealing an area, it can cause this to happen. Also, check the attic vents to ensure they are not blocked. Duct work lasts for years and years--its just sheet metal. The duct work is not the problem. However, the vapor barrier and insulation around it does not last years and years. So, it may just need new insulation and vapor wrap.

It could also be that the blower speed is too low. Also, check and make sure your drip pan is empty or draining properly. If it is not draining or is at at the wrong pitch, the fan can suck up the water in it and spray it into the duct work.
Start with the installers coming back first. Duct work is not cheap to replace. The other issues are much cheaper. So start the cheap route first.

Reply Was this helpful? 1

daspiva

August 1, 20170 found this helpful

Thanks so much for your input on this matter!

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!

Answer