Best Way To Insulate Ductwork In Attic

This isn t equivalent to bringing them into the conditioned space as you ll still have additional duct load but it s a lot better than having them in unconditioned attic space.

Best way to insulate ductwork in attic.

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. In the southern california climate the recommended total attic insulation is a rating of up to r60. Most insulation relies upon the air space between its fibers to deliver the r value promised. Bury the ducts deeply in insulation.

Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old. Because the attic is hot it warms the surface of the duct board above the dew point temperature of the air in the attic. Install loose fill insulation to cover the ducts and the attic floor to meet or exceed the code required r value for attic insulation. Use a pressure sensitive vapor retarder tape designed for ductwork.

Test total duct leakage. Energy saver dealers 204 202 views. If you then put a layer of insulation over this surface this same surface will now begin to cool down. The efficiency of attic insulation is measured in r values.

How to insulate the attic air sealing the attic energy saving attic insulation duration. Get the right r value. Add additional sealant if necessary. Let s use your existing duct board surface that now faces the attic as an example.

Mechanically fasten and mastic seal all duct connections. Air sealing all the ducts and air handler connections and seams and air sealing all the duct boots to the ceiling gypsum and any other penetrations is a critical first step prior to adding any insulation. Tape any punctures in the insulation s vapor barrier to prevent leaks. But if the floor is covered in plywood you can t stuff enough insulation beneath it to do the job sufficiently not even in warm climates.

That s what happened to the ducts in the lead photo of this article. The higher the r value the more resistant it is to heat flow the more efficient it is and the more you will save on heating and air conditioning costs.