Before You Update That Old Furnace or Plumbing — Glenside Homeowners Need to Read This First
Glenside is one of Montgomery County’s most beloved communities, known for its tree-lined streets, charming character homes, and deep neighborhood roots. But that historic charm comes with a hidden risk that many homeowners overlook when planning renovations. The housing in Glenside was primarily built before 1939, making the housing stock some of the oldest overall in America. Most of the homes here were built between the 1920s and 1960s. That means a significant number of Glenside properties may contain asbestos — and nowhere is that risk more relevant than when you’re updating older plumbing and HVAC systems.
Why Plumbing and HVAC Updates Trigger Asbestos Risks
Asbestos was once considered a miracle material in construction. Asbestos was a once widely used component in construction and plumbing materials because of its heat resistance and durability. In the 1970s and 1980s, its usage declined in the United States as the public became aware of the hazards. However, the material is still present in older construction and the risks remain today.
When it comes to HVAC systems specifically, the danger is very real. The use of asbestos in HVAC systems was commonplace because it could withstand high temperatures, prevent heat loss, and reduce fire risks. The mineral’s strength and insulating qualities made it a go-to material for ductwork. Before it became heavily regulated in the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in the HVAC industry. Asbestos-wrapped ductwork was often used to reinforce leaks or weak areas in sheet-metal air ducts, helping to seal the system and prevent air from escaping.
For plumbing, the risks are equally serious. Plumbers working on heating systems, boilers, or furnaces in older buildings may come across asbestos-containing insulation surrounding these appliances. Pipe insulation and boiler wrapping — often seen as white, chalky substances around heating systems — can contain asbestos.
Where Asbestos Hides in Older Glenside Homes
Many Glenside homeowners are surprised to learn just how many places asbestos may be lurking in their older plumbing and HVAC systems. Here are the most common locations to be aware of:
- Duct insulation and tape: One of the most common places is in the white tape used to seal duct joints. This tape, which was once widely used due to its durability, now presents a hidden danger in older homes.
- Duct trunk lines: Another common area is the insulation on the duct trunk lines, the main passageways that distribute air throughout the house. The insulation often blends in with the surrounding material, making it easy to miss without proper inspection.
- Pipe insulation: Pipes that have insulation around them in older applications can have asbestos used in the material. Asbestos was a good insulator and its resistance to heat was why many pipe insulation manufacturers used it. Pipe insulation cracks or deteriorates over time, which can cause the asbestos fibers to become airborne and create a health risk.
- Boiler and furnace components: Removing equipment such as boilers, HVAC systems, ducts, and furnaces poses a risk if they contain or are surrounded by asbestos insulation.
- Duct connectors: Asbestos ductwork connectors were commonly used in buildings constructed before the 1980s due to their heat resistance, durability, and fire safety properties. These connectors helped prevent the spread of fire and reduce noise in HVAC systems. However, they pose health risks today because asbestos fibers can be released into the air if the materials become damaged or disturbed, particularly during repairs, renovations, or demolition activities.
- Dampener pads and furnace components: Asbestos may also be found in the dampener pad located above the furnace. This pad, meant to reduce noise and vibration, can harbor fibers.
The Hidden Danger of “Partial” HVAC Upgrades
One of the most important things Glenside homeowners need to understand is that upgrading part of your HVAC system doesn’t necessarily eliminate asbestos risk. Many homeowners assume that when they upgrade their furnace or air conditioning unit, their duct system is automatically free from asbestos. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. While HVAC companies replace furnaces and coils, they rarely replace the entire duct system. As a result, asbestos may remain hidden in the older ductwork, posing an ongoing risk to the home’s occupants.
Even more alarming, a functioning HVAC system can actually spread asbestos throughout your home. Normal maintenance, renovations, or demolition can disturb asbestos-containing materials. Once these fibers are airborne, the HVAC system picks them up and spreads them to surrounding rooms. Even slight amounts of asbestos can be harmful when inhaled and can lead to serious health issues.
The Serious Health Consequences of Exposure
Asbestos exposure is not something to take lightly. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or swallowed, they can become trapped in the body and cause chronic irritation. Over time, the inflammation and cellular damage that occur may lead to serious illnesses. These illnesses include:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition caused by inhaled asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of the lungs.
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that can affect the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
- Lung Cancer: Smokers or individuals with high exposure levels of asbestos are at risk.
What makes this especially concerning is the timeline. It can take 20 to 50 years for asbestos-related diseases to develop, meaning even people who were exposed decades ago may still be at risk. This is why acting before a renovation — not after — is critical.
What Glenside Homeowners Should Do Before Any Plumbing or HVAC Work
Any building constructed before 1980 should be presumed to contain asbestos until testing proves otherwise. If your Glenside home falls into that category — and the vast majority do — here are the steps you should take:
- Get a professional inspection before work begins. If you’re unsure whether your heating ducts or plumbing contain asbestos, it’s safest to avoid disturbing them and contact a licensed asbestos abatement professional. They can inspect your system, confirm whether asbestos is present, and determine whether it poses a health risk.
- Never attempt DIY removal. If testing confirms the presence of asbestos-containing materials in your home, attempting to remove them yourself is highly dangerous. Disturbing asbestos can release harmful airborne fibers, which are known to cause severe long-term health issues.
- Hire a licensed contractor. Once asbestos is found, you will need to decide whether to go forward with encapsulation or removal of the materials. Encapsulation and removal must be performed by a trained and licensed contractor.
- Follow up with air quality testing. After encapsulation or removal is finished, a thorough cleaning of your HVAC system is necessary. Perform follow-up air quality testing to ensure your indoor air is safe and free of health hazards.
Trust EJS Environmental for Expert Asbestos Removal in Glenside
When it comes to protecting your family during a plumbing or HVAC renovation, you need a team with the experience, licensing, and commitment to safety to do the job right. EJS Environmental is a licensed contracting service with two decades of professional experience and a team of highly skilled technicians certified to prepare building projects and clean up before and after construction. EJS Environmental Services is a lead and asbestos abatement specialist whose residential specialists are available to inspect and remove dangerous substances from single and multi-family dwellings, commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and industrial complexes.
Using state-of-the-art equipment and technology, EJS Environmental Services’ trained team of professionals offer emergency response service and they are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. The techniques used by the firm are in compliance with all EPA and OSHA regulations. EJS is a full-service and licensed environmental service company serving Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, New Castle, and Bucks counties — making them the ideal local partner for Glenside residents.
Don’t let a routine plumbing upgrade or HVAC replacement put your household at risk. If your home was built before 1980, schedule a professional inspection before any work begins. For trusted, certified asbestos removal glenside services, EJS Environmental has the local expertise and proven track record to keep your home and family safe from start to finish.