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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    texas
    Posts
    4

    Default AC ducts run on the exterior of new home

    Quick question for the group,

    I’m building my first and last house, and the builder and the AC tech ran two ac lines through the trusses for the back pouch and then up 2 foot or so along the exterior of the house, before reentering the house.

    We have a 12” load bearing truss/beam that supports the upstairs that they do not want to cut, so they ran the AC lines the way they did.

    One AC line is a return and the other feeds the master bedroom and bath. The home is located in hot climate, South Texas.

    Does this present an issue for cooling? Will this be an issue when I sell the home in 10 -15 years? Is this an expectable building practice? Would you gig this? Of course the builder is saying they do this all the time, and I’m not a builder.

    Bothe AC lines are insulated, and the chase on the outside of the house will be wrapped with moister barrier and then stucco’ed.

    Please see attached pics.

    Thank you in advance for any and all comments.

    Fishman

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
    Posts
    4,311

    Default Re: AC ducts run on the exterior of new home

    Quote Originally Posted by Fishman View Post
    Quick question for the group,

    I’m building my first and last house, and the builder and the AC tech ran two ac lines through the trusses for the back pouch and then up 2 foot or so along the exterior of the house, before reentering the house.

    We have a 12” load bearing truss/beam that supports the upstairs that they do not want to cut, so they ran the AC lines the way they did.

    One AC line is a return and the other feeds the master bedroom and bath. The home is located in hot climate, South Texas.

    Does this present an issue for cooling? Will this be an issue when I sell the home in 10 -15 years? Is this an expectable building practice? Would you gig this? Of course the builder is saying they do this all the time, and I’m not a builder.

    Bothe AC lines are insulated, and the chase on the outside of the house will be wrapped with moister barrier and then stucco’ed.

    Please see attached pics.

    Thank you in advance for any and all comments.

    Fishman
    You stated these will be enclosed , I don't see an issue.

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: AC ducts run on the exterior of new home

    I would make sure they bring the ducts into the thermal envelope by installing insulation in the chase walls and fire stop the top and bottom of the chase.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    rockport texas
    Posts
    132

    Default Re: AC ducts run on the exterior of new home

    i don't think you'll have a problem. You are however going to have a problem with the bottom of the columns for the front porch.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    texas
    Posts
    4

    Default Thank you

    Billy, Jim, and Stanly,

    Thank you all for your responses.

    I went by the house this AM and the back porch roof system is part of the building envelope and can be access from the attic space above the master bedroom.

    So as far as the outside chase above the porch roof goes, I will ensure it is well insolated and fire proofed by the builder.

    Thank you again, Fishman


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
    Posts
    4,311

    Default Re: Thank you

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall View Post
    I would make sure they bring the ducts into the thermal envelope by installing insulation in the chase walls and fire stop the top and bottom of the chase.
    Quote Originally Posted by Fishman View Post

    Jim, fire proofed by the builder.

    Fishman
    Mr. Luttrall's point was " fire stop."

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

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