If you don’t want to go through the hassle of covering up your exposed pipes and ducts, but you also don’t want them to draw too much attention, simply
paint them the same color as the ceiling or walls that surround them
. Painted in a unifying hue, they will blend in and become part of a cohesive background palette.
How can I hide my HVAC in my basement?
If you are finishing your basement and building walls,
incorporate a small area to enclose the
furnace, AC, and or water heater. These louvered doors provide great ventilation. Another option is to create a set of built-in shelves in the door that don’t even look like a closet.
How do you hide ductwork?
- Paint Your Duct Work. The fastest and least expensive way to cover your duct work is to paint it the same color as your ceiling. …
- Use Soffits or Tray Ceilings. …
- Create a Drop Ceiling. …
- Opt for Flattened Ducts.
Does exposed ductwork need to be insulated?
A: Depending on the climate and the ducts’ location,
it may not be necessary to insulate them
. … The ducts are exposed to the same cold, heat and humidity that exist on the outside. Insulating them is essential in colder climates, optional in milder ones and necessary in humid climates to prevent condensation.
Can I paint exposed ductwork?
If your ducts are located in an out-of-the-way area, it’s probably okay to use a paintbrush. However, if your ducts are in a prominent area,
spray paint will
look better on your duct system. It’s also important to prime the metal with an acrylic latex metal primer when using latex paint.
How much does exposed ductwork cost?
Exposed Ductwork Cost
The cost of exposed ductwork averages
$6.50 to $17.50 a square foot
.
How do you hide ductwork in a basement ceiling?
- Create a tray ceiling. …
- Drop the ceiling in one area to create intimacy. …
- Create faux rafters. …
- Use unique soffits when framing out ductwork. …
- Incorporate ceiling framing with wall framing. …
- When you can’t beat ’em – embrace them!
Is insulating ductwork worth it?
Without proper ductwork insulation, you could be losing
10-30%
of the energy used to heat or cool your home. A good level of ductwork insulation will prevent not only energy wastage, but also leaks, temperature drops, and condensation buildup.
Is exposed ductwork more expensive?
For example, those exposed ducts seen in modern offices are often not original to the buildings they’re in. … Round or oval ductwork, as we used in the build-out for Glassdoor’s new headquarters, delivers a more “finished” look, but
is significantly more expensive
.
How do I stop my ductwork from sweating?
- Reduce the humidity level around your air ducts. Keep ducts spaced apart so air can flow between them. …
- Unblock any ducts that are restricting air flow and have them cleaned regularly. …
- Keep your air filters clean and change them regularly. …
- Repair leaking ducts.
What kind of paint do you use for ductwork?
It’s best to use
latex paint
, and because ducts are located in out-of-the-way places, you can usually get away with using a paintbrush. If the ducts are prominent, though, you may want to spray paint them.
Should ductwork be replaced after 20 years?
“If your ductwork
is over 15 years old
, you probably should replace it. Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years. By 15 years, however, it begins to deteriorate, significantly reducing your HVAC system’s efficiency, so replacement is the prudent option.”
Can I spray paint my air vents?
So if you are looking to do some simple upgrades – clean off those vent covers and give them a coat of spray paint! This is a great upgrade project to do if you are planning on selling your home too to make it more appealing to buyers.
Can I replace ductwork myself?
To answer the question of whether or not you can replace or install your own ductwork, I’d say it is possible but that I highly recommend
enlisting the help of a heating, cooling, and ductwork expert
. Ductwork runs all throughout your house, which makes doing DIY repairs yourself a heavy contracting lift.
