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Best insulation inside air handler?

32K views 13 replies 11 participants last post by  energy_rater_La  
#1 ·
I'm wondering if anybody has any experience replacing the insulation inside an air handler. I have a situation where a condensate pan cracked and thoroughly saturated the fiberglass insulation inside a Carrier unit. I'm replacing the pan and want to replace the insulation, which is black and moldy now, but I wonder if there's any better alternative to the foil-lined fiberglass that Carrier provides. Does anybody have any experience or recommendations for a closed-cell product or something that might do a better job if it ever gets wet again?

Thanks.
 
#4 ·
I need to do the same but I don't know if i can simply cut a sheet of styrofoam to the appropriate size and glue it on the bottom or if needs to be a different material. I'm considering styrofoam since it won't loose it's thermal properties if it gets wet.
 
#5 ·
It doesn't matter what insulation you use

because the mold didn't grow on the insulation. It grew because there was LIQUID WATER and Organic material (DIRT) So the mold would have grow on anything or more clearly, on any surface
 
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#7 ·
I'm with acwizard about using foams.
there is a reason foam isn't approved for hvac.

I don't use foam products in returns or anything
hvac related. ductboard, duct wrap mastics.

I think you need to address why there is so much condensation
inside the unit. let me guess...ahu is located in attic?
until you address why there is so much condensation
you will be changing insulation often.

best of luck
 
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#9 ·
Have you asked Carrier if they use the original style of insulation in a retrofit situation, or if they have something else that is approved for the purpose?
 
#14 ·
The problem I've found in insulating the unit with ductwrap..
and I've done it this way..is unit's support to drain pan..
be it bricks, styro blocks, metal supports or wooden framing..
that the area where the now externally insulated equipment
compresses it the ductwrap, so it condensates more. because R-value
of compressed insulation is R-0.
how much it condensates depends is comparable with area
of compressed insulation.
 
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