HVAC technicians struggle with duct sealing
10 posts in the last 90 days, all from r/hvacadvice.
“I’m looking for advice on increasing the efficiency of the AC in my new to me home. The home had AC retrofitted in 2008 and the existing return ducting is questionably installed at best. The AC is struggling to keep the house cool and I’m looking to increase its efficiency. The…”
“I am having multiple problems with an HVAC company. I desperately need some feedback on the quality of work. What do you think about these ducts not having tape around the vent? Are these straps too tight and shouldn't the metal straps ideally use saddles? I am going up with a…”
“I could really use some help with a question about my HVAC return. It’s pictured above and you can see the filter leading into the air handler at the top, an interior wall on the far side, drain pipes, electrical runs, etc. This return sits in the middle of my house in the…”
Several posts detail confusion and questions about proper return duct sealing, insulation, and backflow dampers. Users are unsure whether gaps should be covered or sealed, and worry about attic air entering the system.
SOURCES (10)
“I’m looking for advice on increasing the efficiency of the AC in my new to me home. The home had AC retrofitted in 2008 and the existing return ducting is questionably installed at best. The AC is struggling to keep the house cool and I’m…”
“Building a single story slab on grade with supply and return ducts in the spray-foamed attic. Filter box on bottom of AH with 16"x20" filter. I want the ducted return done as efficiently as possible. Closets are about 3'6" wide and AH is 17" wide. I'm assuming vertical up flow is best but it requires the return to do a 180 under the air handler? What's the BEST way to do the return duct 180? Photos of great installs would be fantastic! submitted by /u/”
“I am having multiple problems with an HVAC company. I desperately need some feedback on the quality of work. What do you think about these ducts not having tape around the vent? Are these straps too tight and shouldn't the metal straps ideally use saddles? I am going up with a thermal camera later today to do a closer inspection. I am in San Diego county. The company said they will pass inspection will all the problems I shared online. The power cord fell out of the outlet they installed ups”
“I could really use some help with a question about my HVAC return. It’s pictured above and you can see the filter leading into the air handler at the top, an interior wall on the far side, drain pipes, electrical runs, etc. This return sits in the middle of my house in the southern United States and it’s directly under the air handler. The air handler is in a closet that is not sealed at all from the attic above. My understanding is that this is required because of the furnace and the gas hot wa”
“Insulated duct above unit? Last picture is directly above the unit, looking upwards at the ceiling. The duct comes out of the ceiling and then goes nowhere and is zip-tied off at the end. Also, this is a manufactured home. https://imgur.com/a/vSWNBKi submitted by /u/According_Cheek8280 [link] [comments]”
“I am a new apprentice and Ive worked with 3 different techs who does their duct work differently during new installs. Which is the correct way and how do you guys do it? 1st Tech - UL tape inside only, UL tape and mastic outside - This tech says you shouldn't apply mastic inside. 2nd Tech - Mesh tape ONLY with mastic inside and out. 3rd tech - UL tape inside with mastic. UL tape then mesh with mastic outside. Edit: Located in Florida and work with fiber duct board submitted by /u”
“I'm exploring the options for running a return duct from my attic to my basement. I have one option I think is best for location and height in the finished part of the attic, but there's blow in insulation in the crawl space I would use. Do you typically avoid dealing with this at all costs? Is it reasonable to ask someone to crawl through it without compressing it all? submitted by /u/Due-Championship3941 [link] [comments]”
“Does anyone have the back of HVAC supply vents inside their air conditioned space? I feel like these need to be insulated, they are soft backed and feel like painted fabric. Anyone have these and have issues with them sweating in the summer? House was built in 1962 and location is north Texas. submitted by /u/ghalsfjd [link] [comments]”
“I'm installing an Aprilaire E080 dehumidifier in a basement using flex duct directly into the basement. The supply side duct collar will be mounted on the top of the unit. Do I still need the backflow damper in that configuration? submitted by /u/bjl218 [link] [comments]”
“Will this be an acceptable design for a 4000ft2 insulated metal building? 2x 5 ton York units (PG3E60L12S21). Supply 14”x16” trunk to 14” main line up 13’ on outer wall to 14’ peak with open duct outlet Return 14” x 16” at 6’ center height on exterior wall as shown submitted by /u/evilgeniune [link] [comments]”