Fresh air line is this Energy efficient ?

Wayne_16

Install a metal duct where you want to insulate with foam, through the rim joist, then attach the insulated flex duct to the metal duct. Better yet, replace the flex pipe with metal duct and insulate. Materials will not cost much.

Kurt_8

Fresh air line is this Energy efficient ?

I presently have a fresh air line running outside through the rim joist in a basement to draw outside air into the cold air return duck. This is a foil type line like used for a clothes drier, it's insulated with a fiberglass jacket. The jacket gets wet in the winter months from condensation where the warm air meets the cold air.I'm insulating the rim joist in the basement with foam board & spray foam, can't seem to come up with a good way to seal around the jacketed foil area. Any ideas ? Thinking about removing the fresh air line. Is it Energy efficient?

Kurt_8

Fresh air line is this Energy efficient ?

I presently have a fresh air line running outside through the rim joist in a basement to draw outside air into the cold air return duck. This is a foil type line like used for a clothes drier, it's insulated with a fiberglass jacket. The jacket gets wet in the winter months from condensation where the warm air meets the cold air. I'm insulating the rim joist in the basement with foam board & spray foam, can't seem to come up with a good way to seal around the jacketed foil area. Any ideas ? Thinking about removing the fresh air line. Is it Energy efficient?

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Definitely not energy efficient, but most likely a very inexpensive and simple way to comply with your local codes requiring makeup air in newer, tighter homes. (Sometimes it's just a simple hole in the wall...)

The far more energy efficient (but far more expensive) option is a HRV (heat recovery ventilator) for mainly heating climates or an ERV (energy recovery ventilator) for mixed climates with warm, humid summers. The more you seal your home (like with spray foam in cracks around the rim) the more you have a need for makeup (or "fresh") air.