Attic fiberglass insulation leak
Fiberglass from attic coming out ductwork, what to do?
We have an attic fiberglass insulation leak - the stuff is blowing out of our ducts when the air conditioner is running. I find it on the floor, and we're breathing it constantly. The air conditioning repair man says it can't happen, but it is happening.
Answer from Green Energy Efficient Homes
It sounds to me like you have air conditioning ducts in your attic (common in homes where there is no forced air heating, and air conditioning is added after the house is built), and the ductwork has holes in it - rather large holes by the sound of it. That's the only way I can imagine an attic fiberglass insulation leak could happen to the extent you describe it.
I suggest going into the attic (with proper protection - fully clothed, gloves, mask, safety goggles) with a rake, and raking the fiberglass away from the ductwork to see if you can locate any holes (hire a handy-person to do it for you if this isn't your cup of tea). Perhaps a roof leak has led to rust in the ductwork, or rodents have broken or chewed through an area in an attempt to enter the house. In any case, the ductwork needs a thorough going-over, and if it's damaged, it needs to be replaced or at least properly sealed.
Properly sealing and insulating your ductwork will not only eliminate the problem of insulation sneaking into your home, it will also make your air conditioner more efficient, since with holes in the ductwork you're losing cold air into the attic, and with poor insulation the heat from the attic is warming the cool air in the ducts.
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