We are about to replace our Clipper furnace in a single story home built in 1940s. We have received quotes for also replacing the asbestos-covered ductwork where the furnace is (in the garage). A couple of estimators also encouraged removing and replacing all the asbestos-covered ducts in the attic. The only problems I can see with the ducts up there are 1) a section that has fallen off its support so about 3 feet of it ends up looking oval instead of round 2)a 3/4″ gap at one spot 3)an add-on duct for the add-on bathroom that is simply metal and old fiberglass insulating material hanging on it.
We only plan on staying in the house for 2 or 3 more years. Can the duct in the attic be fixed instead of replaced?
Replies
I am wondering what their reasons for replacing this were. Did they give reasons or just recommendations?
It is often best to leave asbestos undisturbed and encapsulate it. Fewer fibres are released into the air that way than by removing it.
However, since you do need to disturb it to replace it, there will be some release anyways. Also if you plan to sell in a short time like this, the home inspector may note the asbestos as a negative comment.
If you go with removal, be sure they have a proper trained remediation crew doing this to keep the air vacumed and not be spewing asbestos fibres all through your home while they hack things up
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I agree with piffen. Unless the existing duct is to small or large for the new furnace, it would be better the encapsulate and repair. Encapsulation may also need to be done by a certified asbestos abatement contractor.
As far as selling the place in a few years, the presents of encapsulated asbestos may decrease the market value somewhat, but the new HVAC should offset that loss by energy cost savings and increasing the market value.
Be sure to disclose the presents of asbestos at the time of the sale.
Removing the asbestos could well cost more than the new HVAC system alone.
Dave
Not knowing all the specifics of the new system. The others are rightabout the asbestos and its disturbance. Typically the wrap of ductwork has a high content of asbestos.
The furnace installer should run calculations as to how efficient the old duct work will operate the new system.
Depending on the regulations and the working conditions the duct work could be wrapped and pulled out by an abatement contractor to minimize the fiber release all while having the areas under negative pressure. Wrap and cut is the method I am referring to and should help minimize the expense of the removal. I was in the the abatement field for quite a few years. States all have there own set of regulations on asbestos removal so a wrap and cut method may not be an option.
Start with the calculations.
Good luck
Thank you for your input. We ended up having the ductwork removed by an asbestos abatement co. and had new insulated ductwork installed along with the new furnace. It's all good, and we're so grateful to be comfortably warm. This was my first time participating in this discussion and I really appreciate everyone's help.
Currant
You are most welcome. I am glad we could help.
I am curious. What method was used for the removal? What part of the country do you live in?
We live in Northern California. I'm not sure of the method they used. There was a big flexible pipe that was some sort of vent or vacuum, and everything was bagged, sealed and labled. I think there were 8 containers.