"PrecisionMachinisT" writes:
"Jeffrey J. Kosowsky" wrote in message
...
The previous homeowner did a DIY job of installing a new furnace using
a twisted maze of flex duct to make all the supply and return runs in
the basement.

Several heating contractors have advised us that flex is not intended
for long runs and that this is the most flex they have ever
seen. Also, there are no dampers and in some areas the flex is pinched
and the insulation tearing.

Couple of questions:
- Is replacing flex with rigid sheet metal duct work generally
worthwile?

Sometimes, yes........
Why waste time responding if you have nothing helpful to say?


- Is it better to use custom sheet metal fabricated to fit tightly
between the joists or should we go with standard "round" ducts?
More generally are there different qualities of sheet metal that
we should be concerned about?


If there are no leaks, and its not noisy, why be concerned ???
Read above... several HVAC contractors and home inspector said it
should be replaced particularly since ducts are pinched in several
places and insulation is torn in others plus no dampers. So question
is whether these reasons justify spending 3K on replacing ducts.

- One contractor talked about "vinyl clad duct insulation". Is that
a good insulation solution?

To find a solution, first one must define some *existing*
problem.........
Well, if we replace ducts, should we insulate the new sheet metal
ones? If so what insulation should we use?

- What types of dampers should we be installing for best results?


You should get them from home depot, or lowe's.........and dont be shy, be
sure to ask em about contractor pricing..........

Do you have problems staying on thread? I don't recall asking about
price or supplier source.... If you read the post, you would also know
that this is not a DIY project so why the hell would I want to go Home
Depot or Lowes?

- Any other questions we should be asking regarding duct work?

Nope, forget your local hvac contracter, his son just wants to **** your
daughter in the ass is all.

Take your mind out of the gutter or perhaps such feeblemindedness
comes from breathing in too much PVC primer and cement without
adequate ventillation