Many people have been told to install their HVAC system in the conditioned area. Researchers have found air conditioner vents in cooled attics add 25 percent to cooling in hot weather. According to the researchers, the seal on the ducts is very tight. Typical duct testing is performed on new homes, however many of these duct systems are very leakable. If you want to know the different types of duct work we have made a post about that exact thing here. A lack of balanced leakage in ducts can cause damage as well. Also, keep these vents in the uninsulated attic whenever possible. You may not think about your duct system in your attic all that often, but it can cause big problems if you neglect it. HVAC ducts in your attic have to endure extreme temperatures, and that can eventually lead to failure if it’s not kept in tip-top shape. Here at Las Vegas AC Repair, we came up with some of the things you need to watch out for as far as your HVAC ducts go, and what you can do to prevent any problems from occurring with this important system in your home.
What is an Unconditioned Attic?
Unconditioned attics are spaces within the envelopes of the insulation of a building. The building is inadequate to meet the standards of insulation. The attic is a lot better place to have your ductwork at. Since in the wintertime basements get super cold which leads to leaking ducts or clogged duct work. In an unconditioned attic space is the best place for duct work.
What Is Duct Work in an Attic?
The ductwork in your attic can get blocked with blown attic insulation, dust, and cobwebs. Over time, mold and mildew can form in these vents which can lead to your HVAC ducts needing expensive repairs. Keep your HVAC ducts clear so you won’t have to worry about a dirty mess forming later down the road. There are several ways to check your air conditioner supply ducts for clogs, including looking at them from inside of your home or by climbing up into your attic. When inspecting your HVAC ducts from inside of your home it is important that you do not stand directly above where they are located because there could be serious consequences if you fall through the attic floor!
Where Is The Proper Location For It?
The location of your ducts can have a major impact on how effectively it works. If your furnace or air conditioner does not have proper ventilation, you may find that you’re constantly struggling to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. In order to avoid these problems, it is important to determine exactly where in your attic, ducts should be placed for maximum efficiency. When looking at possible locations, try to remember that:
- Ducts should always be located as close as possible to an air outlet;
- It is important for supply vents (the vents through which air enters your home) and returns vents (the vents through which air leaves your home) to both remain relatively close together;
- Never put them on the roof deck as they could get hot during the summer and the air flow could be impacted. Always put them on the attic floor or close by for the most energy efficiency strategy to save on heating and cooling bills.
- It is best if all of your flex ducts are running parallel with each other;
- Supply and return ducts should never be directly above or below one another.
Why Should I Care About My Ducts in my Attic?
Without a doubt, duct work is one of those things that most homeowners ignore until it causes a problem. The fact is, your attic has some of your house’s most important components, including your ductwork and insulation.
So what makes HVAC ducts in your attic such an important part of your home? In short, it ensures that the air handler on your air conditioner is producing good air flow into your home and maintains healthy indoor temperatures year-round by supplying heated or cooled air. In addition to improving air flow, many residential furnaces come with humidifiers built into their systems for making you feel warmer during cold winter months or cooler during hot summer days.
What’s Involved In Checking My HVAC Ducts
When we think of home maintenance, many of us think about tending to our homes’ exteriors. But most people don’t realize that they should also be taking care of their homes’ interiors. In order to maintain a healthy interior environment, homeowners should regularly inspect their HVAC equipment. Because ducts are used to channel air throughout a home, additional duct insulation can collect in them over time, reducing airflow, potentially having your air seal not work, and making your home less energy efficient. Additionally, if you notice any damage or holes in your flexible ducts, it could mean that pests have found their way into your home. If you see signs of damage or deterioration in your attic, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
How Do I Clean My Attic Ductwork?
The first thing you should do when inspecting your HVAC system in your attic is to just observe it from afar. Check for damage. Look for anything that may suggest problems, such as cracks or holes in your duct sealing, especially in areas where they bend or turn. It’s a good idea to bring a flashlight with you while inspecting your ducts; you’ll want to be able to see everything clearly and always make sure you are standing on the attic floor and not on the attic insulation as you may fall through and hurt yourself. If there is spray foam insulation in your flexible ducts you might want to have that checked by a professional. Be aware of how hot it is inside of your attic—you don’t want to get burned! Also, if there are any dead animals up there (like squirrels), make sure to move them before beginning the inspection of your flexible ducts. If you find any evidence of an animal infestation, it’s best to call an exterminator right away.
Questions to Ask a Contractor
It can be tempting to take a less expensive contractor for your air conditioner project, but that option may come with higher costs later. Asking the right questions can make sure you don’t run into issues down the road. Are you licensed and insured? This is one good place to start; knowing what their coverage limits are, as well as whether they have liability coverage for them not being careful on the attic floor or with any type of spray foam insulation, is essential information for any home project. Other questions include: How long have you been in business? What kind of guarantee do you offer on your work? Do you use subcontractors? What type of guarantee do they offer on their work? What’s included in my estimate, and what will cost extra? Will I need an inspection or permit from my city or county government before you can look at my HVAC unit and the insulated ducts on my attic floor? Is there anything else I should know about getting started on my project? If you want the best HVAC unit repairman or installing ducts into your unconditioned attic, contact us today!
