insulatng return duct in attic

[jbgalligan]

I have a centrl air unit installed in the attic; I was recently going duct by duct to make sure all connections were tight and insulated - during this process: I noted that the return duct which draws air from inside the house was insulated for the first few feet but then ran across the attic uninsulated until it went back into the unit. Am I mistaken or should the return that passes through the super heated air of the attic also be insulated? I spoke to a contractor friend of mine and he said it is common not to insulate the return - but it just seems wrong to me...

[daytona]

does not have to be....it's choice.

[Steve Scott]

Is there any heat gained or lost through the uninsulated duct? IOW, is the temp of the air in the duct higher or lower than the environment it's in? Almost certainly the answer is yes. So, yes, the duct should be insulated and sealed. If the exposed portion isn't sealed I'd strip the insulation off the rest of it and seal and insulate the whole thing.

It may be comm>I have a centrl air unit installed in the attic; I was recently going

[Bubba]

As long as your unit is big enough and you have plenty of cash for your utility bills, then everything is right with the world. Make sure your uninsulated return isnt insulated from the inside and you just dont see it. Bubba

[udarrell]

Right-on Steve, - the temp split could be even more, like 130 or 140-F to 72-F. The larger the temp differential the more heat transferred. In the winter the opposite situation also needs the insulation.

Also, on the off cycle the air in the duct could be a heat-overload on the A/C system.

- udarrell

[AKS]

These three gents ok four have gave you right answer, Daytona, Steve Scott, Udaarrell and Bubba for change.

However? Unless is approved by PrecisionMachinisT, Paul Milligan, O jah and Al Moran

I am sorry it can not be right, hell that lives me in dismay? mmmm!

[Oscar_Lives]

Dude, you need some help.

[jbgalligan]

thank you , you guys all rock: i guess I will not be using my friend as MY contractor :-)

[e-mail] wrote:

[AKS]

Yep yep don't forget that courtesy works two ways If you like to gave you should be prepare to receive in the same manner that was giving every body should know that including your self, I am sure you have heard before that little courtesy can go a long way, Anywhere I thank you for your comments. Have nice day Dido

[Al Moran]

Ever notice how is grammar is bad at times and real bad at others? Me thinks an already stupid dumbass gets drunk and posts.

[Oscar_Lives]

I just wish you would speak English when you are here in our county.

[Oscar_Lives]

Alcohol can't be blamed for that much ignorance. Could be ouzo, though.

[daytona]

Unless he brings the ribs bad the beer....and then does the work under your supervision

[Don]

So Bubba when did you actually do any HVAC work? Seems you spend most of your time here with your best friend from the trailer park.

[Bubba]

"Poor Baby". What's wrong? Didnt get the free answer you were looking for? Life must suck to be you. Bubba