Bathroom exhaust vent need to be insulated?


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Old 06-05-19, 01:17 AM
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Bathroom exhaust vent need to be insulated?

I live in Los Angeles near the coast. It never gets all that cold here. In winter temps get into the 40's. I'm installing a Nutone heater/vent/light. Must the exhaust duct be insulated or can I just use a standard dryer vent with the foil? I am having to travel about 10 or 12 feet to the louver that vents outside.
 
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Old 06-05-19, 08:07 PM
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Typically insulated ductwork is done to eliminate any condensation problems right from the start.
There is nothing that says you must use it. Try regular ducting. Run it pitched towards the outside.
Keep an eye out for condensation dripping from the fan.
 
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Old 10-11-19, 01:11 PM
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I believe, but someone correct me if I am wrong, that you can get condensation on the ducting that is uninsulated, even in sunny California. Picture this...warm humid day outside, hot humid attic, turn on the exhaust to clear out your uhh... smelly stuff. The cold ac air in the house is exhausted through the duct which cools it and condensation will form on the outside of the duct and drip off, like your glass of ice water sitting on the coffee table which is why we use coasters under our beverages, and start causing a moist area on one spot of the attic or insulation,. Long term it is a ripe condition for mold. How much more is insulated ducting really.

skeeter
 
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Old 10-11-19, 02:16 PM
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It's always good to use insulated duct to ensure that the hot and very wet air gets vented outdoors!
 
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Old 10-11-19, 02:16 PM
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I would use the foil insulated.Buy decent quality.

For condensation to happen on the outside of the pipe your house would have to be very cold.
 
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Old 10-12-19, 04:14 AM
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For condensation to happen on the outside of the pipe your house would have to be very cold.
Condensation occurs on the INSIDE of the duct where the warm moist air from the bathroom flows, the insulation keeps that moist air from condensing into water before it is vented to the outside!
 
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Old 10-12-19, 05:19 AM
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Marq1, I was replying to skeeter_ca's post.
 
 

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