Interior paint peeling is generally caused by either a contaminate under the paint or moisture. I suspect it's the latter, especially since you say the vents are on exterior walls. Probably condensation from the temp difference with not enough insulation between the vent duct and the exterior.

 

Gravity furnaces weren't very popular then, but wall registers were. Many homes here have them.

Do you have a humidifier on the furnace? If so, the humidity is set too high.

Looks like a paint type mismatch, that the heat is accelerating the peeling. If so, you'll see it peel in somewhat random spots when any external stress is applied to the wall. (finger nails, keys, Furniture such as bed headboards, etc.)

Cheers!

 

I'll try to check this afternoon.
Don't know if there is a humidifier but I did not see a controller on the main floor.
I'm pretty sure it is only a simple thermostat.
thx for the replies.
david

 

Very common for the humidistat to be installed on the ductwork next to the humidifier.

Cheers!

 

Good thought.
I will check.
David

 

Given the location (above the vent) it's almost certainly due to moisture. There's probably a leak of cold air around the vent boot, letting cold air into the wall cavity. Shouldn't be too hard to seal and touch up but make sure to let the drywall dry out before painting.

 

I would agree with you, except there's no AC.

Cheers!

 

This home does have whole house A/C.
Have had this house for 5 years?
When the home was purchased everything was painted.
Home was completely repainted 2 years ago with no problem like this.
New tenants for 2 years and this happens.
thx for the replies.
david

 

Apparently I can't read....... I could have sworn that the first post said "does not have central AC" ....... [emoji23]

In this case, moisture is a prime suspect. It's all about the AC now.

Cheers!

 

is the air coming from the vent very hot? things like plugged filter, coil, or blower assembly can raise the supply temp. the problem can get gradually worse.

sufficient heat can strip paint.

 

Yes. Both excessive heat and moisture will cause this, but moisture is the better suspect at this point. It's fairly likely to be hitting 100% humidity if the airflow is a bit low and/or in a humid location. Selecting the proper paint is also important, and it's likely this was a layer over a layer which doesn't help things.

Cheers!

 

could be a paint adherence issue - incompatible with previous layer and heat/moisture accelerated the deterioration.

 

That's what I'm thinking. Moisture and heat can accelerate it. It occurred in my previous house. Latex over oil based paint. It didn't work well, but it was done before I was there.

Cheers!

 

Latex paint doesn't adhere well over oil base enamel but oil enamel was mostly used in kitchen, bath rms and laundry rms. The rest of the house was usually painted with flat oil which doesn't pose a problem when recoating with latex. Oil paint in general hasn't been used on walls in 40+ yrs. It looks like it's just last coat of paint that is peeling. I still think it's a moisture issue.

 

I picked up the hygrometer Yuri mentioned in a another post.
I may be able to check the items referred to above.
Maybe today, if she is home.
thx
david

 

Just for reference, where on this fine planet is this house located.

Cheers!

 

Bedford, Ohio

thx
david

 

Update...
Went there yesterday with my hygrometer.
Set it on the dining room table and checked the furnace in the basement.
There is a humidifier control on the return duct.
But no humidifier.
There is a large sheet metal patch on the furnace plenum.
I don't know if it was to service/replace the A coil at some time.
Or if that is where the humidifier used to be.
Anyway the humidity was 40% in the house yesterday with an OD temp of 55.
She told me it felt humid in the house.
Any ideas?
thx
david

 

What's the temperature of the air coming from the supply vent after the heat has been running for 10 minutes?

Like I said before it may be too hot.

The humidity and temperature of the house is not important, it's what's being put out around the vent.


I suspect the wall around the vent should have the paint/primer completely stripped and re-done with the high quality paint, like Benjamin moore or something similar.

No big box store crap.

 

Our painter is a semi-retired painter. He uses Sherwin-williams Pro series latex paint.
He and I have discussed this issue and he is unsure what is causing it.
I will check on the suggestions.
thx
david

 

Pull the register and see if the register boot is sealed to the ceiling. If not seal it.

 

Registers are on the wall, about 8" from the floor.
Every register has this problem. Kitchen, living room and 3 bedrooms.
It's a ranch with a basement. Basement is dry.
I will check as you suggest.
thx
david