skip to main content

Heating & Air Conditioning Paint Home Repair

Help needed with stain on ceiling near air vent

last month

I have these stains on the ceiling, right at the air vent in two separate rooms. These stains are brownish in color, not wet. They only appear around these vents. Tried cleaning, won't come off with out removing the paint . I've had the roof checked for leaks. Talked with the AC guy and he has no suggestions.

I have central air, gas heat. I have a humidifier installed, so I think that it may be the culprit. I had the humidity turned up too high when it was first installed, thinking that may be the issue, but my AC guy doesn't think so.

Any suggestions?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

cat_ky
last month
last modified: last month
It looks very much like water staining. What is your humidity in the house right now. Have you gone in the attic and looked around up there, to see if any water stains. Remember water doesnt have to come in, right in that spot. It runs down the rafters until it finds a point of entry. It can sometimes be very hard to find a leak in the roof.
Jim thanked cat_ky
woodbutcher_ca
last month
Hi, If you can go up into the attic and check around the heat duct. Also remove the register and look for any water damage.

To remove the water stain I have used bleach and water in a spray bottle with good success. Make sure you cover any thing under where you are spraying to prevent damage.

Good Luck Woodbutcher
Jim thanked woodbutcher_ca
Related Discussions
Crown moulding and air vent.
Q
Comments (36)
I think Candy or Candice? Spelling the one married to Aaron actually created a way to correct this. Sounds crazy but she hated the look of vents and developed with her contractor a way to leave the upper portion of the crown molding open and the air blows out between the molding and the ceiling. Tell your contractor to stop being lazy there are plenty of ways to move or relocate that vent. You could also run the molding above and box out around the vent for a cleaner look. Once he told me it would blow into the molding I would be asking for another opinions. Good luck an din the end it will works out. I also agree the more you think about it the more it will be an issue.
...See More
Air intake vent blowing out cold air
Q
Comments (6)
An intake vent would not have a device to close the vent...a vent that blows out air would have a closure or directional device...the issue here is really whether it is functioning properly...and whether the problem is bad enough to insist on some immediate measure...this is why I always advise diplomacy as the people in the position to help respond better when they are approached politely but with urgency if needed...it is just a job to them..to you it is family...good luck on this ...hope you don't get delayed with the holiday but if the problem is persistent and and untenable I would politely push for atleast an acceptable temporary solution
...See More
Need help avoiding make up air with new construction range hood.
Q
Comments (16)
Ken is mistaken and does not appear to understand that the issue isn't the venting for the other combustion appliances, but the back drafting of those appliances when the hood is in use. Cracking a window is insufficient to satisfy code. A permanent solution that comes on automatically is what is needed. It is to protect the current occupants of the home as well as any subsequent ones that may not realize that they need to open a door or be poisoned with carbon monoxide. If your home Is a recent build, I would be having a conversation with your builder. Perhaps your area had not adopted the codes when your home was built. But I would want to know why it wasn't even a topic of conversation. I would contact aHVAC specialist to make it happen. Cold climate make up air is more involved and difficult than warmer areas of the country. But several areas are beyond strict in their inspections for it. It is a hot button issue that you want to be in front of if you go to sell. Or for your family's health.
...See More
Move air vent
Q
Comments (19)
@Ashley, No, for a couple reasons after doing my research, 1) The added depth of the males fitting a vent cover more difficult 2) With our unit, it would be in the inside back which would restrict the airflow. Doing so might accumulate moisture around the edges when the AC is really cold which would ruin the media niche. The decorative cover makes for a less expensive fix than completely moving it and you can still do it later down the road if you want to.
...See More
Lyndee Lee
last month
If you can't find water damage, this might be an air quality issue. I would check the filter on the furnace to see if it is clean. Make sure no one is burning candles or incense in the house. Check out info on the web for ghosting aka thermal tracking.
Jim thanked Lyndee Lee
Jennifer Hogan
last month
It looks like water staining. The stains are caused by water penetrating the drywall and evaporating, leaving mineral deposits behind. The brown doesn't show while it is wet - it shows up as it dries.

I don't know what is above your ceiling. You could have condensation from pipes or a leaky roof or a poorly ventilated attic. Where there is water staining there is/was water. Moisture issues if not identified and taken care of can lead to big problems. If wood is compromised termites get happy. If moisture persists you can have mold.

Does your attic have a musty smell? Is the insulation damp? Are the spots getting darker?

Do you own a moisture meter?

Be vigilant. Water is the enemy.
Jim thanked Jennifer Hogan
Jim
Original Author
last month
Thanks to all for the responses and suggestions.

I do not have easy access to my attic, but finding it necessary to try to get it checked out. One of the vents is not accessible - the ceiling is a cathedral A-frame, with very little attic area between ceiling and roof. The other is in a more open area of the attic, so will be able to check that. The humidifier company did say it is possible that the stain is due to the high humidity setting that I had initially.

Will try the suggested cleaning technique.

Related Stories

ORGANIZING Get the Organizing Help You Need (Finally!)

By Laura Gaskill

Imagine having your closet whipped into shape by someone else. That’s the power of working with a pro

MOST POPULAR Pros and Cons: Painted vs. Stained Kitchen Cabinets

Wondering whether to go for natural wood or a painted finish for your cabinets? These observations can help

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Cozy Mountain Retreat Near Lake Tahoe

An observation deck, a gourmet kitchen and generous helpings of windows make this California vacation home a storm watcher's paradise

DIY PROJECTS Make Your Own Barn-Style Door — in Any Size You Need

By No. 29 Design

Low ceilings or odd-size doorways are no problem when you fashion a barn door from exterior siding and a closet track

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Grout — Stains and All

If your grout is grossing you out, this deep-cleaning method will help it look new again

WORKING WITH AN ARCHITECT Who Needs 3D Design? 5 Reasons You Do

By Dylan Chappell Architects

Whether you're remodeling or building new, 3D renderings can help you save money and get exactly what you want on your home project

FURNITURE Fun Furniture: Chairs in the Air

By Becky Harris

Give Your Room a Lift With a Chair From the Ceiling

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Classic Eichler Updated for Today’s Needs

By Becky Harris

A designer helps a couple honor their midcentury home’s design while creating a kitchen that works for their lifestyle

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: ‘Raising’ the Ceiling in a Creative Way

By Jeannie Matteucci

A smart design solution helps a South Carolina kitchen feel more spacious and adds industrial style

DECORATING GUIDES Are Ceiling Fans the Kiss of Death for Design?

By Becky Harris

Ceiling fans get a bad rap for being clunky and outdated, but these streamlined styles and a bevy of pros beg to differ

Sponsored

More Discussions

Gas Boiler forced water baseboard heating noise

6

Rheem rp17 - What is normal max compressor RPM?

2

ChesaPeake Floor Engineered Wood Flooring

2

Furnace Problem: Blowout

0

Replacing HVAC system - Trane vs Lennox

0