What is phenolic ductwork?
Phenolic is a high performing alternative duct material that helps HVAC Contractors increase the thermal and duct leakage efficiency of their systems. Using phenolic also means that there is no need for separate ductwork and separate insulation as it is a 2-in-1 solution that does the job of both.
What insulation is best for ductwork?
Fiberglass
Fiberglass has lower thermal resistance, which means it’s better at insulating against heat loss than cellulose. Cellulose also reflects more sound from space than fiberglass does because of its higher density (though both are considered good for noise reduction).
Is insulating ductwork worth it?
While insulating basement ductwork will, in fact, reduce energy loss from your ducts, thereby lowering the time your system has to run to properly cool or heat your house, it will also tend to make your basement cooler.
What is meant by phenolic?
noun. Definition of phenolic (Entry 2 of 2) 1 : a usually thermosetting resin or plastic made by condensation of a phenol with an aldehyde and used especially for molding and insulating and in coatings and adhesives. — called also phenolic resin. 2 : phenol sense 2.
What is phenolic foam?
Phenolic foam is a versatile material used in a wide variety of applications where thermal performance, moisture resistance, fire performance and even structural strength are key performance criteria.
Which insulating material is used in ductwork?
Fiberglass is the most common insulation material for HVAC ducts. Flexible ducts are always insulated by fiberglass material. Fiberglass insulations have a layer of shiny aluminium foil on the outer surface to hold the fiberglass material together.
What R-value should duct insulation?
R-value of 3.5 is required for buried ductwork and ducts installed in an unvented attic with roof insulation or in an unconditioned space (including both ventilated and unventilated crawlspaces). There are no R-value requirements for ductwork installed in an indirectly conditioned space.
Is phenolic safe?
Exposure to phenol may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and nervous system. Some symptoms of exposure to phenol are weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, muscle aches, and pain. Severe exposure can cause liver and/or kidney damage, skin burns, tremor, convulsions, and twitching.
Is phenolic heat resistance?
The notable qualities of phenolic resin include its ability to withstand heat, hardness, dimensional stability, electrical resistance, and chemical resistance.
Does phenolic insulation burn?
When exposed to heat, phenolic insulation undergoes a process called pyrolysis (thermal decomposition). This results in two products: hot combustible gases (pyrolysis gasses) and a black char which forms on the surface of the material.
What is the R-value of 1 inch of air space?
Insulation R-Value
| Material | R value(ft^2 °F h/Btu |
|---|---|
| Cellulose fiber(1 in. thick) | 3.70 |
| Flat glass (0.125 in thick) | 0.89 |
| Insulating glass(0.25 in space) | 1.54 |
| Air space (3.5 in. thick) | 1.01 |
What R value should duct insulation be?
“Supply and return air ducts and plenums shall be insulated with a minimum of R-6 insulation where located in unconditioned spaces and where located outside the building with a minimum of R-8 insulation in climate zones 1-4 and a minimum of R-12 insulation in climate zones 5-8.
What are the benefits of phenolic ducts?
Using phenolic also means that there is no need for separate ductwork and separate insulation as it is a 2-in-1 solution that does the job of both. For both interior and exterior applications, this duct material can offer many benefits for an installation. Below are just a few of the many benefits Phenolic duct systems can offer!
What are the different types of ducts used for insulation?
Ducts come in different forms, and that depends on the material used in constructing it. One common type of duct is the so-called polyurethane and phenolic insulation panels or the pre-insulated air ducts. As the name suggests, the two main components of this duct are polyurethane and phenolic.
Are phenolic ductwork systems UL listed?
Some Phenolic Ductwork systems have gone through extensive UL testing to achieve a UL 181 Listed status, starting with – Kingspan KoolDuct back in 2004.
How can I provide thermal resistance to my ductwork?
Providing thermal resistance to your ductwork can be done in a variety of ways, each with their own pros and cons. Phenolic duct systems are an excellent option for any interior installation that requires insulated ductwork to be manufactured.