In last week s blog i discussed the practice of burying attic ducts in deep insulation since burying ducts is simply one of several ways to address the energy waste associated with the decision to locate ducts in a vented unconditioned attic it s worth taking a fresh look at all of the possible solutions to the attic duct problem.
How to run heat duct in attic.
Always stagger take off ducts by 12 to maintain pressure.
Last take off run to be located 12 18 from end.
Run a heating duct from the attic to the basement.
The 1 800 square foot brick ranch in climate zone 4 dates from the 1960s but the previous owner installed both a furnace and ductwork in the attic just four years ago.
Running duct work and all other heating and air conditioning related jobs are regulated by the local building codes and the hvac industry.
The furnace may be in a garage attic laundry room or interior closet for accessibility.
In addition to comparing ducts in the attic to ducts inside the building envelope roberts and winkler also looked at electricity savings of other measures such as adding insulation installing better windows and using higher efficiency air conditioners.
In reality such a task can be complicated calling for an evaluation of the heating system the.
Ted also has inherited a powered attic ventilator.
Although both the attic floor and the ductwork are insulated ted recognizes the situation isn t ideal.
On the face of it the answer is as simple.
You want to insulate the duct work very very well.
The heat ducts usually travel in the walls behind the drywall and exit through openings in the ceiling on first floor levels.
Ceiling duct openings are usually found in homes that do not have a basement.
I lived in a house with a substantial quantity of the duct work running through the attic.
Flexible duct work must be stretched tightly for maximum air flow.
Granted its a cooling climate i assume although heat run through the ducts at any.
Then it moves along floor joists to any upper levels.
This rule is especially important if you re putting an.
Building codes are as varied as the state and county agencies who write them so be sure to check with your local building inspector s office before doing duct work yourself only to learn it all has to be torn out and replaced by a licensed installer.
It only takes a little bit of heat in your attic to cause ice damning which can result in a lot of water damage.
Use insulated duct or duct board in unheated spaces.