What must be done to ductwork when adding cooling equipment to existing ductwork in an attic?

When adding cooling equipment to existing ductwork in an attic, it is essential to insulate the ductwork appropriately. Insulation helps to reduce thermal loss, maintain the desired temperature of the air traveling through the ducts, and improve the energy efficiency of the cooling system. This is particularly important in attics, where ambient temperatures can significantly affect the performance of air conditioning systems. Insulated ductwork prevents cool air from warming up as it travels through ducts that may be exposed to high temperatures, ensuring that the conditioned air reaches its intended destination efficiently.

Maintaining the necessary insulation levels also helps to prevent condensation issues that can arise in uninsulated ducts when humid air comes into contact with cooler air surfaces, leading to potential moisture problems and degradation of the ductwork over time. Therefore, the practice of insulating ductwork is vital for both performance and longevity when retrofitting existing systems with new cooling equipment.