Is Insulation required for filter box
Shawnnixon1
| Posted in General Questions on
I got this AC Infinity box 8” to put on the fresh air intake before my ERV to save on filters. Does this need to be insulated? If yes how does some do this? Also i see on the edge if I flash light inside its seeping through tiny bit, does this matter? If yes how do I block it so it’s air tight? Can I tape it from the outside?
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Anyone?
Yes it needs insulation. If it is pulling cold air in indoor warm humid air will condense on it. Use rigid foam and tape seams. Tape metal seams also. Also insulate duct to and from.
You can use either duct mastic, or HVAC tape (which is NOT duct tape) to seal up the box.
As to whether or not it needs to be insulated, is the duct bringing in the air from the exterior insulated? If there is a significant difference between the outside air temperature and the ambient temperature in the location of the filter box, insulate it to prevent condensation.
Thanks, yes outside is very cold how do I insulate a box?
Some would wrap batt insulation around it and tape it. I don't like working with fiberglass.
Thus, I would cut pieces of rigid insulation the correct size and either glue them around it and tape the seams, or just tape the seams. Figure out how you can do it and still access the filter.
The approach I am settling on is to use cheap filters supplied by the manufacturer on the initial ERV intake. After the air comes out warmed you can easily put a quality the filter box there. Most ERV companies have Merv8 filters as their cheap option and then charge a tremendous amount for Merv13 or HEPA. Broan AI has a washable Merv8 filter. I saw someone using this approach here: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/ductwork-insulation-vapor-barrier-questions#comment-261715