While the attic install isn t ideal it beats the problems that come with ducts.
Ductwork in attic or crawlspace.
Strap ducts out of insulation with 3 ductstraps per specifications.
How to insulate furnace ductwork in a crawlspace 1.
I vote for the attic.
I lowered soffits around room perimeters.
Iii special trusses that create space below the unconditioned attic.
Ductwork can eat into living space so innovative space saving features like squeeze elbows are in demand.
If the ducts are in an unconditioned attic you can put spray foam insulation on the roof deck.
There can be moisture issues in the crawlspace but i would deal with that before choosing to put the ducting in the attic.
This means that like an attic or unfinished basement you don t heat and cool it.
The crawl space is an unconditioned space.
Ductwork located in an attic crawl space may be difficult to get to and creates a hot and potentially hazardous environment for the crew.
If there is a dirt or gravel floor put down a vapor barrier then seal it off with concrete slurry.
You can get the air handler and ducts into conditioned space in several ways without needing a basement or crawl space.
Knowing the disadvantages of attic install and the crawl space install.
Measure the circumference of the ducts running through your crawlspace.
Seal supply boxes with mastic.
Ii lowered ceilings in hallways.
If the ducting is not sealed well and insulated you will have plenty of problems because of the high attic temperatures.
If the ducts are in an unconditioned crawl space you can encapsulate.
Insulate and air seal the floor with open cell foam put ductwork and mechanicals in the attic install a radiant barrier and mastic seal the ducts.
Cut the insulation with the utility knife in sections 2 inches larger than the circumference of the duct.
The accessibility of a home s ductwork is a key factor in estimating the cost to replace it.
The majority of ducts are installed in unconditioned attic spaces and crawl spaces where they are out of sight.
Finding space for ductwork in the.
Iv conditioned attic and more.
Installing ductwork in the crawl space beneath a home limits movement and poses a lighting challenge.
As don peek says in the comments below it may be more cost effective in existing homes to seal and insulate the ducts as well as you can.
Ceiling diffusers can help route vents to alternative locations avoiding lengths of ductwork.
Think about it condensation on ductwork probably isn t a big problem in phoenix arizona but why.
Just like when you have too little insulation if you have an excessive amount of humidity near your ductwork either in your attic or crawlspaces then you increase the likelihood of condensation forming.