How can I solve a problem of handfuls of insulation being blown into our heating ducts at new home?
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 at
10:12 am
Somehow the insulation wrapping the heating ductwork must be getting into the ductwork itself (which carries the hot air from the heatpump to the rooms of the house). What can I do? I have to remove the duct grate and remove one or two large handfuls of insulation every few days. Where is it coming from and how can ifix the problem?
Filed under: Wind Power
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Hello ,
If it is loose fill insulation like fiberglass or cellulose then the problem might be in the attic. Walk carefully up there or you will fall into the room under you. If its not there then the location could also be a short distance from the place where insulation is building up , with it being just pipe insulation torn up by the intruder.
There must be a wharf rat , roof rat , or squirrel tearing holes for bedding or something like that, in there; so carry a stick or a 22 cal. pistol with rat shot . Perhaps, you can mend the pipe with duct tape and a plastic bag and then wrap with some additional fiberglass insulation and tape again.
Be sure and seal the entrance that the varmint came through, too. They will most likely try to come back, if they have babies & this time of year its an almost certainty , there are babies. Moth granules work but not moth balls to repel male squirrels and females not on the nest. Pantyhose work great to put some into tie off and hang about in the crawl space or attic. You can remove them if kept in pantyhose dispensers later when warmer weather brings the smell inside and creatures back outside.
Wharf rats will be in holes in the ground , pack steel wool and rat poison in there to stop them. Watch out for dog and cats poisons will kill 3 times when eaten by the next animals.
I have done this many times , just keep searching until you find where the entrance is at and enemy combatants to fight for your air supply.
Best Regards,
Joe Woodall, Managing Partner
Georgia Adobe Rammed Earth & Renewable Energy
Dewy Rose GA
stop throwing handfuls of insulation into the heating ducts
If you can get into your attic you should be able to follow your duct work from the air handler to the rooms and find your trouble spot. If the house is newly built then I would contact the builder to find and fix it. If it is an older house that is new to you then maybe your home owners insurance will cover it. If the air handler is in the basement then you might have a harder time. If the insulation is in only one room that should narrow it down. When the break or hole is found then you can patch it with foil duct tape. I wouldnt be a bit surprised if you found it was made by a mouse. If the insulation is going to all the rooms then it’s most likely really close to the air handler.
be safe about it call heating and air guy to give you a written quote on repairing problem, if house is new call builder
you have a hole in the duct or your duct tape got ripped,i bet you got a rat
If it’s a NEW HOME..I mean not new just by moving in, but newly built then it should be under warranty..I would call the contractor and have him make his ac/heat contractor that installed the ductwork come fix it…