Replacing flex duct under belly - DIY?
Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 1:05 pm
A few years back, I replaced the flex duct under the belly - and all has been fine. The blower motor went out on the HVAC unit and the repairman told me it had failed - and will continue to fail - due to excessive static pressure. His bill is $300 - and the motor is under warranty. Diagnose and replace took a total of 1.5 hours. OUCH!
I was under the house a couple days back and noticed it was way too cool to just be in the shade! I also noticed that every place there is a tie wrap supporting the ducting - that there is an associated 'squeezing' of the duct. I'm sure I could come up with some type of end-to-end "tray" for the ducting to rest in - - - but I am more of the mind to replace the whole she-bang with solid ducting.
Seems it would just be a 90° elbow off the main unit, straight along to a point that is in line with the two main vent holes (about 20 feet). "T" it there...and then elbow up to each of the main vent holes.
Is this something a DIYer can tackle? I'm not a sheet metal guy - so is this solid ducting available in sections? Is this a strategy even worth pursuing?
I should mention that with the current "Y" configuration under the blower - one side of the Y blows nice hot air in winter. The other side blows same volume but at half the temp. I know it is related to the positioning of the electric coils - but not much way to move them.
I was under the house a couple days back and noticed it was way too cool to just be in the shade! I also noticed that every place there is a tie wrap supporting the ducting - that there is an associated 'squeezing' of the duct. I'm sure I could come up with some type of end-to-end "tray" for the ducting to rest in - - - but I am more of the mind to replace the whole she-bang with solid ducting.
Seems it would just be a 90° elbow off the main unit, straight along to a point that is in line with the two main vent holes (about 20 feet). "T" it there...and then elbow up to each of the main vent holes.
Is this something a DIYer can tackle? I'm not a sheet metal guy - so is this solid ducting available in sections? Is this a strategy even worth pursuing?
I should mention that with the current "Y" configuration under the blower - one side of the Y blows nice hot air in winter. The other side blows same volume but at half the temp. I know it is related to the positioning of the electric coils - but not much way to move them.