Wrapping Metal Ducts with Insulation (AC, heating, insulated, cleaning) - House -remodeling, decorating, construction, energy use, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, building, rooms - City-Data Forum

TFW46 · 05-11-2011, 05:10 AM

My air-conditioning guy advised me that I could save on electricity bills if I have my metal ducts in the attic re-wrapped with insulation. My house is 1200 sq ft and the charge he quoted me was $1254 (discounted from $1450).

Do you think re-wrapping the ducts is a good idea? And does this charge sound reasonable? Thanks!

broadbill · 05-11-2011, 06:27 AM

probably couldn't hurt, provided there aren't any leaks in the system. Are the joints taped?

As for price, couldn't this be something you could do yourself?

TFW46 · 05-11-2011, 06:54 AM

If anything were loose, I'm sure my a-c guy would have told me so he could get paid to fix it. Too, the entire system was cleaned last year ($900) by a very reputable company (that does nothing but a-c/heat system cleaning) so I think I'd have heard if there were any problems then, as well.

I probably could do it myself but I had a stroke five years ago and still have a serious imbalance problem -- so I cant climb stairs and I cant go up into the attic.

harry chickpea · 05-11-2011, 09:46 AM

Better to just have the entire area filled with blown in insulation. Cheaper, and will cut down on AC and heating bills beyond what just wrapping ducts would do.

Narfcake · 05-11-2011, 10:26 AM

I doubt you'll save enough to recoup the $1250. Harry's idea ... much better, as it'd help even when the HVAC is not on.

TFW46 · 05-11-2011, 12:38 PM

Thanks for the info, especially on adding more blown-in insulation instead of wrapping the vents. That's a great idea!

MrRational · 05-11-2011, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texasfirewheel

Thanks for the info, especially on adding more blown-in insulation instead of wrapping the vents. That's a great idea!

It is a good suggestion.
If the joints on the ducts aren't taped well... do so now.
Not "duct tape" though. Get the good peel back foil stuff.

And some info on theattic insulation job

sacredgrooves · 05-13-2011, 12:17 AM

For $1200 you can replace all the ducts with insulated flex duct twice over. It sounds like a nice revenue enhancement for the HVAC guy.

TFW46 · 05-13-2011, 12:49 AM

That's what I was wondering, sacred. Thanks so much!!

harry chickpea · 05-13-2011, 09:51 AM

Except... metal duct is the gold standard. No way would I exchange a functional well designed metal duct system with flex duct.