Energy saver first look into the attic when helping improve a home s ene.
How to seal air handler plenum in attic.
However air handler sweating is different.
Make sure that all metal fittings are firmly screwed together on four sides then covered with liquid or tape mastic and fully re insulated.
The grille in the photo on the left brings air into a return air plenum under an air handler platform.
For repairing simple leaks in the air ducts.
The air in your vented attic is hot and humid just like all outdoor air in florida.
If your hatch rests directly on the moldings like ours did add 2 1 2 in wide stops around the.
Then finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking foam weatherstrip photos 10 and 11.
There are two main ways to solve this problem.
I asked them to seal the refrigerant line and all they did was to put.
As shown in the infrared image on the right the plenum is not air sealed so hot attic air is being pulled into the air handler closet.
When working with mastic wear disposable gloves and spread it carefully since its glueyness makes cleanup difficult.
I missed out on giving specific instructions on one part and they messed it up.
I even had them open the air handler and seal inside following manufacturer s guideline.
There are many different ways to seal this crawlspace including plastic sheeting the application of foam insulation to the foundation walls on the inside of the crawlspace and more.
Condensation on the outside of your air handler can be an effect of an underlying issue.
Here are the most common reasons for air handlers sweating so you can stop the condensation.
Create or modify an air sealed closet to contain the air handler and the return air plenum.
When the hot humid attic air contacts the cold duct or the cold duct boot the moisture in the air condenses on the cold surface just like the condensation that happens on a cold can of beer.
Moreover the excess moisture can lead to a damaged plenum mold or termites.
Use aluminum tape to seal joins between two flat smooth surfaces usually metal and mastic for irregular surfaces such as wood.
Using a duct sealant called mastic is the professionals choice.
Air sealing your ducts is cheap and easy and it save s a lot of money.
Aluminum tape and mastic can be found at well stocked hardware stores or through amazon.
When you re done sealing your attic bypasses push the insulation back into place with an old broom handle or stick as you back out of the attic.
