Types of Duct Advice

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myatuck

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Joined Sep 27, 2010

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9 Posts

Discussion starter · #1 · Oct 2, 2010

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Still working towards a contractor.

Re-reading the estimates, can't tell a thing about the new ductwork.

Anyone care to fill me in on types, standards? All I know, or think I know, is a) round is better than square (which is what I now have upstairs and down), and b) I don't want it anywhere anyone can bump into it or had to climb over it.

The upstairs will be heat pump, the air handler goes in an upstairs closet, and the attic is both very small and very hot in the summer.

The downstairs goes in the crawlspace which I dug out so it is dry with a fair amount of clearance.

Thanks

 

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seatonheating

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Joined Oct 23, 2003

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7,226 Posts

#2 · Oct 2, 2010

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myatuck said:

Still working towards a contractor.

Re-reading the estimates, can't tell a thing about the new ductwork.

Anyone care to fill me in on types, standards? All I know, or think I know, is a) round is better than square (which is what I now have upstairs and down), and b) I don't want it anywhere anyone can bump into it or had to climb over it.

The upstairs will be heat pump, the air handler goes in an upstairs closet, and the attic is both very small and very hot in the summer.

The downstairs goes in the crawlspace which I dug out so it is dry with a fair amount of clearance.

Thanks

Click to expand...

Round sheet metal, minimum of 26 gauge, sealed 100% with mastic, insulated with R8 foil-faced insulation.


That's what you want.

 

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energy_rater_La

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Joined May 26, 2004

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3,785 Posts

#3 · Oct 3, 2010

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or properly sized and installed flex duct R-8
mastic sealed no kinks or coils in duct runs
in my climate (hot humid) we strap with 3"
duct strapping...no more than a 1" sag per 4' run.
up north they bury their ducts in insulation.
here ducts in contact with insulation on attic floor
creates condensation.
research your installer. ductwork is often missized & poorly installed.

depending on your budget, and location there are ways to
reduce heat gain in attic.
crawlspace ductwork is a pita IMO!!
in your case keeping ducts a minimum of 6" from ground
and if it touches the ground and is not well sealed the ducts
will pull dirt into ducts. if there is room..under the house
to strap the ducts the rules above apply.

are your floors insulated?
and with what?
fg & chicken wire to hold it in place?
common in my area.

where are you located??

best of luck.