Anyone really stuff their attic with insulation yet? I have about 8 inches living in the south east. In the summer and winter my poor HVAC struggles to keep up. I think I need to wrap my ductwork with more insulation also. But as far as attic insulation, has anybody really gone overboard and seen a big difference? Say 20+ inches? And how about ridge vents and attic fans, anyone recommend those?
First you rationalize your ductwork. Smooth curves, no kinks, no restrictions. Then you properly and thoroughly seal the ductwork. THEN you make sure the insulation on the ductwork is good.
Most ductwork I've seen in Texas looks like it was put together by drunken retarded monkeys. I cut 4-8 feet off EACH duct run when I redid them, and had smoother curves to boot. And removed a 50% restriction in the form of a hacked-together "splitter" that was just horrid.
After the ducts are good, get some canned spray foam sealer and seal up every attic penetration. Vents, lights, pipes, et cetera. No leaks.
THEN you go blow in cellulose.