Insulated Air Ducts: Air Duct Upgrades Make Good Sense For Homeowners

(HIT) - At work, school, and play we’re surrounded by professionally designed heating, ventilating and cooling (HVAC) systems that supply conditioned air calibrated to the season and the ambient temperature. These systems maintain strict standards of air quality, temperature, and flow.

At home, our heating and air conditioning systems are often built to achieve the lowest possible immediate out-of-pocket cost, rather than optimum efficiency and lower lifetime costs. Fortunately, more and more home buyers are choosing to upgrade heating and air conditioning systems to achieve the long term benefits available from high efficiency components. The selection of a high efficiency heat pump, furnace, or air conditioning unit can make a big difference, not only in utility costs, but also in the quality of air in your home.

High efficiency heating and cooling units are more expensive than standard models, but they can offer quicker payback, longer life, better insulation for quieter operation, and a substantial improvement in your home’s indoor air quality. Another upgrade option available to homeowners is an insulated air duct system.

SuperDuct™ Insulated Air Ducts

Initially designed for installation in commercial buildings, the SuperDuct system from Johns Manville delivers a number of advantages to homeowners. "The SuperDuct insulated air duct system improves heating and cooling performance and overall indoor air quality," says Eric Schakel, Air Handling Business Manager at Johns Manville. "By controlling temperature, noise, and condensation, as well as virtually eliminating air leakage, SuperDuct insulated air ducts reduce energy bills while improving your home environment."

As an added benefit, SuperDuct insulated air duct systems feature Johns Manville’s exclusive acrylic Permacote® II coating, formulated with an EPA-registered protective agent to guard against potential microbial or fungal growth.

SuperDuct’s dense, durable fiber glass core reduces noise noticeably, which is particularly important for homes located in climates where continuous heating and/or air conditioning requirements mean that fans are running off and on around the clock. SuperDuct insulated air ducts absorb sounds that other types of ducts transmit, such as echoed conversations in other rooms, furnace starts and stops, and air rush noise, as well as eliminating cracks and pops due to expansion and contraction during operating cycles.

Many homeowners aren’t familiar with insulated air ducts and their many benefits. With that in mind, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Does Johns Manville’s SuperDuct insulated air duct system cost more than the standard ductwork for homes?

Costs vary according to geographic regions, but the initial cost to install the SuperDuct system will likely be higher than a flexible or unlined metal system. However, operating costs are lower and energy efficiency over the system’s life cycle offers a considerable return on investment. In addition, the system will be much quieter than a typical home system.

How long will a SuperDuct insulated air duct system last?

A properly designed and installed SuperDuct system will last the lifetime of your home.

Do SuperDuct insulated air ducts meet code requirements?

Yes. In fact, SuperDuct insulated air ducts exceeds all requirements for commercial buildings in addition to code for residences. SuperDuct is tested to tough Underwriters Laboratories standard UL 181 for code compliance. Also, Johns Manville’s ISO certified manufacturing locations assure consistent high quality.

How can I get more information about insulated air ducts in general and details on SuperDuct?

Johns Manville’s Product Information Center (1-800-654-3103) provides free information to interested homeowners, builders, and subcontractors. Information is also available on the company’s web site at www.jm.com.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center