Exposed metal ductwork

TexasBeachGuy · Jun 28, 2023

I am new to the site and this is my first post.

My central AC is being replaced this Friday. It is a beach house that was built in the 60's. When we purchased the house the AC was not keeping up. In August it would get up to 90+ in the house. The existing duct work needs to be replaced. Long story short, I plan on replacing the duct work with 90 percent metal duct work and run it exposed in the house. I have seen some homes and buildings that it looks really cool in. From a efficiency stand point, there will only be five sections of ducting five foot long each that is not in conditioned air. I am not going to insulate any of the exposed metal ducting in the house. There will be 12", 2 x 10 ", 8", and a 7". I am also adding another return. The two 10 inch will have two grilles installed on the side of them. The 12 inch will be connected to a duct system along the ridge of the house. (its an A frame) All of it will be painted eventually.

My questions are this: Do you see any issues with me doing this?

BBeerme · Jun 28, 2023

No issues at all. It is done more often than you may realize in commercial. Often it is right above you, and you have just never paid attention to it.

One tip for doing the round ducting. Do it in what we call "spiral" ducting. It is more cool looking and has no linear (lineal?) seam and comes in 20' lengths. It is connected together a bit differently, not difficult, just different. So if your contractor has never used it before, it may not turn out quite professional looking. Also, the fittings like the 90's, are much stronger, not your typical weak adjustable ones you get at the local hardaware store.

A bit more pricey, but you will be looking at it everyday for years to come.

Regarding applying any duct sealer to the exterior, mask off adjacent areas then remove that masking tape immediately. Makes for a much cleaner look no matter what type of ducting you use.

Maybe try your favorite search engine with these key words: Spiral ducts or spiral duct images.

Mr Bill · Jun 28, 2023

We have done some homes in spiral, and as a "just in case" we had the inside of the spiral insulated, looks and works great.

ehsx · Jun 28, 2023

High ceiling may present stratification & dew points that could cause condensation on the duct & registers.
Usually related to low air flow.

ss120396 · Jun 28, 2023

No issues, it's a great way to do things as the ductwork will be in the conditioned space. It will save energy, lower the size of the unit you need, and the installers will like not having to work in a roasting attic or nasty crawlspace. Only reason you don't see it often is most people don't like the look. I would be thrilled to come across a homeowner like you that would be willing to do exposed spiral ducts.

Bazooka Joe · Jun 28, 2023

“High ceiling may present stratification & dew points that could cause condensation on the duct & registers.
Usually related to low air flow.”

Was at a restaurant that I had to keep my soup bowl away from the condensation dripping on me and my meal more than once, the spiral duct did look nice thou. :grin2:

Poodle Head Mikey · Jun 28, 2023

There is also a thin-coat spray on product which works by increasing the surface area rather than by insulating the duct. I may have some of it in a touch-up spray can. If so; I'll have the name for you. <g>

PHM
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Bazooka Joe said:
“High ceiling may present stratification & dew points that could cause condensation on the duct & registers.
Usually related to low air flow.”

Was at a restaurant that I had to keep my soup bowl away from the condensation dripping on me and my meal more than once, the spiral duct did look nice thou :grin2:

Exposed metal ductwork

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