Reducing Thermal Losses and Gains With Buried and Encapsulated Ducts in Hot-Humid Climates
- Steven Winter Associates, Inc., Norwalk, CT (United States)
The Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB) monitored three houses in Jacksonville, FL, to investigate the effectiveness of encapsulated and encapsulated/buried ducts in reducing thermal losses and gains from ductwork in unconditioned attics. Burying ductwork beneath loose-fill insulation has been identified as an effective method of reducing thermal losses and gains from ductwork in dry climates, but it is not applicable in humid climates where condensation may occur on the outside of the duct jacket. By encapsulating the ductwork in closed cell polyurethane foam (ccSPF) before burial beneath loose-fill mineral fiber insulation, the condensation potential may be reduced while increasing the R-value of the ductwork.
- Research Organization:
- Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB), Norwalk, CT (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Building Technologies Office (EE-5B) (Building America)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 1219917
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/GO-102013-3719; 6106
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
encapsulated/buried ducts
hot-humid climates
space conditioning
closed cell polyurethane spray foam insulation (ccSPF)
unconditioned attics
existing homes
duct losses
distribution system efficiency
residential
residential building
the Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB)
Building America