Duct Disconnected In Attic

A client who lived in an apartment in new york city engaged our company to find why her city apartment could not get cool even though she had a new air conditioning system installed.

Duct disconnected in attic.

Disconnected broken and improperly installed ducts are a major cause of sheathing degradation and mold growth. 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 existing homes with vented attics and hvac ducts that are installed on the attic floor bury ducts in blown attic insulation when adding or increasing attic insulation. Disconnected cool air supply duct hidden in crawl area.

Ted has more than a few cobwebs in his attic. 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. Or excess flex duct. It is very important for the warm moist air to be exhausted outside not into the attic.

Disconnected or leaking ducts. This moisture condenses on the cool roof sheathing and eventually causes mold growth and sheathing failure. Yes you can use a zip tie or large hose clamp to attach the hose to vent. The mold might be an issue.

If an exhaust duct is disconnected all the warm humid air from the house is pumped directly into the attic. Top it with the foil tape for a good seal. In last week s blog i discussed the practice of burying attic ducts in deep insulation. Duct tape is a lousy choice for ducts despite it s name.

Ted also has inherited a powered attic ventilator. Before adding blown insulation inspect and test the ducts for missing or torn duct insulation. Use the foil tape instead.