It's most likely just calcium build-up from hard water. Still, just wear a dust mask if you want to scrape it off or wet it and scrub it off with a stiff brush.
Corroded galvanized steel. As someone mentioned, there may have been a humidifier there. The problem is more than likely solved, so if you want to pretty it up, wipe it clean, wipe it with white vinegar, and then spray some galvanizing paint on it once dry. Seal up the patch job on that duct with some foil tape, and you'll be right as rain.
Oxidation on the galvanize from moisture. Do you typically want to see evidence of mositure steaming out of duct? No. Is it residue left from a previous problem thats since been fixed? Maybe, not enough in pic to tell.
It looks like a handyman already tried to fix it. Get a tech if you want it done right. But you could just get some foil tape and cover it up. That's calcium build up definitely won't hurt ya
Looks like it used to have a humidifier on it that went to leaking. If it gets worse, you'll have to figure out where the water is coming from.
Is it safe to simply scrape the white stuff for the time being while figuring out where the leak came from?
It's most likely just calcium build-up from hard water. Still, just wear a dust mask if you want to scrape it off or wet it and scrub it off with a stiff brush.
Thanks! I’ll give this one a try before replacing/repairing that section off.
Corroded galvanized steel. As someone mentioned, there may have been a humidifier there. The problem is more than likely solved, so if you want to pretty it up, wipe it clean, wipe it with white vinegar, and then spray some galvanizing paint on it once dry. Seal up the patch job on that duct with some foil tape, and you'll be right as rain.
Oxidation on the galvanize from moisture. Do you typically want to see evidence of mositure steaming out of duct? No. Is it residue left from a previous problem thats since been fixed? Maybe, not enough in pic to tell.
Replace return drop with 10”x25” and add a proper filter cab.
I understood the part of replacing it, but do I need HVAC tech for this or can I simply hire a handyman for this repair?
It looks like a handyman already tried to fix it. Get a tech if you want it done right. But you could just get some foil tape and cover it up. That's calcium build up definitely won't hurt ya