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. Mechanically fasten and mastic seal all duct connections. If you then put a layer of insulation over this surface this same surface will now begin to cool down. Use a pressure sensitive vapor retarder tape designed for ductwork. Let s use your existing duct board surface that now faces the attic as an example.

In the southern california climate the recommended total attic insulation is a rating of up to r60. Bury the ducts deeply in insulation. 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. 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.

Because the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add material to the floor. Add additional sealant if necessary. Tape any punctures in the insulation s vapor barrier to prevent leaks. Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old.

Install loose fill insulation to cover the ducts and the attic floor to meet or exceed the code required r value for attic insulation. 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. The duct insulation should include a vapor barrier cover. Energy saver dealers 204 202 views.

Avoid compressing the insulation. How to insulate the attic air sealing the attic energy saving attic insulation duration. 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. Get the right r value.

Most insulation relies upon the air space between its fibers to deliver the r value promised. Test total duct leakage.