Table of Contents
Should ductwork in attic be insulated?
Insulate the heck out of the ducts and air handler Attics get really hot. Insulation helps reduce heat flow. But buried ducts in a humid climate are at risk for condensation. The building code now allows it, but only with R-13 on the ducts before you bury them in IECC climate zones 1A, 2A, and 3A.
How do you insulate attic ductwork?
When insulating HVAC ductwork, use a foil, faced fiberglass insulation with an R-6 or higher R-value. Use the type of metallic foil duct tape recommended by the insulation manufacturer to seal and hold the insulation in place. Make sure the foil surface of the insulation is free of dust before applying the tape.
Can you put insulation around ductwork?
You can insulate the round air ducts serving your rooms with standard insulation batts or special-purpose duct insulation. Insulating your air ducts can save 10 percent to 30 percent on energy bills while improving comfort.
Should ductwork be insulated?
A: Depending on the climate and the ducts’ location, it may not be necessary to insulate them. The ducts are exposed to the same cold, heat and humidity that exist on the outside. Insulating them is essential in colder climates, optional in milder ones and necessary in humid climates to prevent condensation.
Does return air duct need insulation?
To prevent condensation and dripping, insulation is applied to ductwork. If the return air temperature is adversely affected by environments, the return air ducts need to be insulated. Exhaust air ducts do not need insulation.
Can you run ductwork through attic?
The best place for ductwork is inside the thermal boundary of the house, not in an unconditioned, vented attic. Running unprotected ductwork through an attic can court problems. Particularly in hot-humid climates, moisture can collect on the outside of ducts in summer.
What type of insulation is used for ductwork?
The most common material used for insulating heating and cooling ducts is fiberglass. Fiberglass duct insulation is available in various thicknesses and R-values and in either a flexible or rigid form.
Is air sealing the attic worth it?
Is air sealing worth it? Yes. Getting your home air sealed is a worthwhile investment—one that pays off in energy efficiency, comfort, and your home’s value. According to Energy Star, the EPA estimates savings of 15% on heating and cooling costs by properly air sealing and adding insulation.
Should I encapsulate my attic?
So, why should you encapsulate your attic? Insulating from the rafters creates a temperature and humidity-controlled storage space. Controlling the space your HVAC lives in helps to reduce the loss of conditioned air making your home more comfortable.
Can you put fiberglass insulation around ductwork?
Fiberglass insulation can touch HVAC ductwork provided the ducts are not leaking or forming too much condensation. The insulation should be snug enough to prevent significant gaps throughout the ductwork.
Should ductwork be insulated in a crawl space?
As the cool air passes through the warm ducts in a warm crawlspace, condensation develops. This condensation can lead to moisture buildup inside your ducts. Insulating your ductwork prevents this condensation in the first place. In the long run, proper insulation will better protect your family’s health.
Can heating ducts touch drywall?
Drywalls cannot touch ductwork. But, you can install drywall directly against the ductwork with a 6-inch gap. Make sure to give a 6-inch gap between drywall and ductwork.
Why do we insulate ductwork?
Thermal insulation is a great way to minimize energy loss in ducts. Heat loss through the duct walls is an expected and inevitable drain on the system. Effective thermal insulation of the ductwork reduces this heat loss and helps to minimize energy usage.
What is the disadvantage in having ducts in the ceiling?
Ductwork serving ceiling ducts is usually exposed to attic temperature extremes in both winter and summer. In winter, heat loss from attic ducts may affect furnace warmth while heat gain may raise the temperature of A/C airflow in summer. Ductwork serving floor ducts usually passes through the basement or crawlspace.
Is it bad to have HVAC in attic?
The biggest complaint about attic HVAC units is that they don’t really make sense. Attics are, for the most part, unconditioned, meaning a leak here could significantly reduce your home’s overall efficiency. But even if the ducts are installed to a tee, there’s still the possibility that leaks will develop.
Is it better to have ductwork in attic or crawl space?
Ductwork in the conditioned space is far more efficient. Research has shown that ductwork installed in unconditioned attics or crawl spaces can waste 20% of the system’s energy output. This figure does not account for ductwork with leaks or damage.
How long does attic ductwork last?
Ducts are designed to last for about 10-15 years on average. They are made from a combination of materials such as fiberglass and plastic. At some point, these ducts will get damaged. The sooner you see signs of damage and do something about it, the better.
