Hvac Ducts In Attic

With newer foundation systems involving embedded rebar or tension cables making in slab hvac ductwork nearly impossible there s little other option but to move it to the attic.

Hvac ducts in attic. By the time the hvac unit gets planned putting it in the attic is the only thing that makes sense especially cost wise. If there is inadequate ventilation in your attic then contract your local roofing contractor for information on adding roof vents. 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. The next step is to ensure that you add a vapor barrier to your ductwork.

Having it installed in the attic ensures that it is 100 percent protected from flooding caused by plumbing leaks and overflows. Use metal flex or fiber board ducts that are insulated to code. When hvac ducts are installed in a vented attic in a dry climate bury the ducts in attic insulation to protect them from temperature extremes in the unconditioned attic space. Otherwise moisture will build up and you can face possible mold problems in your attic.

The duct insulation should include a vapor barrier cover. Ductwork running along an open ceiling in the basement of a one story home is also more affordable to replace. Attic hvac units are potentially inefficient. The unconditioned space also houses his hvac system.

In the 70 s and 80 s in slab hvac ductwork was commonplace and took advantage of the relatively stable temperature of the slab at or near the ground. The air ducts for a central hvac systems are typically located above a home in the attic or upper crawl space or underneath a home in the space between the foundation and the floor so you don t see them unless you have cause to replace them. Improperly supported flex ducts will sag which cuts down on airflow meaning cool air generated by an ac unit will struggle to reach your in law suite. Put it in an attic full of blown insulation and you re forcing.

Hard ducts without proper mooring will be unbalanced and unbalanced ductwork might be to blame for a number of hvac problems. Sometimes the hvac system winds up in the attic because it s the last thing on the home designer s list. Attic hvac systems also require shorter ducts. The condenser in your air conditioner works hard to get rid of heat and pressurize refrigerant for the return trip through your house.

This is an especially relevant tip for flex ducts more on that in a minute but you need to make sure any ducts in your attic have proper support. Ted also has inherited a powered attic ventilator. Ted has more than a few cobwebs in his attic. Leaks and overflows on a given floor will seep through the floors to affect everything below it including your hvac system.

Your hvac system will require shorter ducts.