Heat loss via ceiling a/c registers?
Installed central air in the 2nd floor this summer, have about 6 registers, 8″x8″ and one large 14″ x 24″ return, all connected by insulated flex duct. B/c the whole system is sealed and insulated, will any loss be negligible?
I put some cardboard up into the return vent to prevent heat loss there, but should I also worry about the registers? I don’t have insulation in the attic floor yet (thinking cellulose, maybe this fall) so I’m trying to be as efficient as possible. I have some magnetic vent covers I used for some other vents in the house that I could cut to size and stick on.
Thanks, PJ
Replies
You may actually want to watch out for cold air infiltration there. I've seen several cases of such duct, insulated or not, resulting in cold downward drafts from the registers during the winter, if the duct is in unconditioned space.
Some sort of cap or register insert, preferably insulated, would fix it if it were a problem for you though. Just watch for it! Square cut rigid foam, for example, with your magnetic covers may be a slick way to seal it up nicely for winter.
-=Northeast Radiant Technology=-
Radiant Design, Consultation, Parts Supply
http://www.NRTradiant.com