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For those who live in warmer climates, water damage can occur within your walls because of poorly designed air conditioning systems.
Systems that are oversized (a larger capacity than necessary)will not remove enough humidity which leads to high moisture levels that condense on cooler surfaces.
Duct systems that are imbalanced can draw outside humidity through walls that can produce water in walls.
Mitigating these problems requires a professional.
Repairing attic problems listed above may seem simple enough, but trying to do it yourself doesn’t guarantee you really fixed problem and can sometimes lead to other problems.
Hiring an insulation expert who specializes in building science (also known as a building performance specialist) will ensure job is done properly and safely.
These specilaists come equipped with tools such as blower doors, pressure guages, etc. to quantify measures taken for repairs.
The same goes for air conditioning specialist, he should have duct diagnostic tools to test your ductwork to be sure it is properly designed and performing efficiently.
If you are unable to find someone in your area, go to www.energyconservatory.com.
They are manufacturers of required testing instruments and they will have contractors in their database they can recommend.
In addition to taking care of water damage, your home will be more comfortable, you’ll save money on your energy bills and improve your indoor air quality.
Ed Bishop is founder and president of Enhanced Living Inc., a Troy, NY-based design-consulting and contracting company. contracting. Trained in the “House Is A System” approach to HVAC design. He was formerly a building analyst instructor, providing certification training for New York's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program
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