Ductwork insulation is important for many reasons, as uninsulated air ducts can cause many issues in your home. In a central HVAC system, ducts circulate all the cooled or heated air produced by an AC or heating unit. Undesirable heat transfer and air loss are common problems that reduce comfort, waste energy, and strain heating and cooling equipment. However, the problem can be addressed with duct insulation, which, along with other indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions, helps improve efficiency.
The following are reasons it’s important to insulate your ductwork:
- Lower Energy Costs
- Reduced Wear On Your HVAC System
- Minimized Air Leakage
- A Quieter Home
- Improved Comfort
- Reduced Condensation
- Minimize the Risk of Mold
- Protect the Environment
1. Lower Energy Costs
Adding insulation to air ducts reduces or prevents heat transfer, which cuts down on energy loss. The greater the temperature difference between the outside and inside of ducts, the more energy that can be wasted. Therefore, ducts in unconditioned spaces such as garages and attics are most vulnerable.
Ductwork insulation keeps cold air colder and hot air hotter. Without it, heat can get into uninsulated ducts and increase the temperature of air your AC has cooled. Heat can also escape from ducts circulating air warmed by your furnace or heater, so proper insulation can yield energy savings year-round.
2. Reduced Wear On Your HVAC System
By adding insulation to ductwork, you can reduce the load on your heating and cooling system. Your AC or heater may run less frequently and for less time. This means you can prevent wear and tear or at least help important components, such as coils, the fan, or the compressor, last longer. Considering the cost of major HVAC repairs and the possible energy savings, adding ductwork insulation can pay for itself before you know it.
3. Minimized Air Leakage
Air leakage is a common problem. Chances are, your home has some type of air leak, and you don’t even know it. Insulation helps seal your ductwork. Along with sealing small holes and leaky joints, it helps stop leaks that can strain your HVAC system.
The more air that leaks from your ducts, the harder your AC must work to compensate. A loss of conditioned air makes it hard to maintain the temperature in your home. This can lead to damage, high energy costs, and other problems.
4. A Quieter Home
Ductwork is designed to circulate air. It’s also very efficient at conducting noise. Uninsulated ducts can carry sounds from voices, music, and TVs from one room to others throughout your home. If you’re hearing private conversations and televisions from other rooms, it may be because of poorly insulated or sealed ducts. The sound of air moving through ductwork can be transmitted too. Those popping, creaking, whistling, and other distracting noises can be dampened with high-quality ductwork insulation.
5. Improved Comfort
Properly insulated ducts are more effective at maintaining the temperature of the air they transport. Less energy is lost between where air leaves the AC unit and where it reaches a room vent, making your living space more comfortable.
Insulated ducts help prevent temperature fluctuations and variations in temperature from room to room. You won’t have to adjust the thermostat when the temperature shifts or you go to a different part of your home. The same setting should keep you comfortable no matter how warm or cool it is outside.
6. Reduced Condensation
Temperature variations between the inside and outside of duct walls can lead to moisture and condensation buildup. Insulation can prevent this from happening. It also helps avoid water damage in your duct system, mold, mildew, and the effects of moisture on wooden items near ducts. Over time, excess moisture can compromise the integrity of wood support beams in your home’s framing. All this can be prevented with some ductwork insulation.
7. Minimize the Risk of Mold
Wherever there’s condensation, moisture, or a water leak, mold spores can settle and grow. Mold can increase allergy symptoms and release toxins that cause illnesses. By minimizing condensation around ducts, insulating materials can prevent mold growth and the associated health concerns and cleanup and mitigation costs. They may also reduce the amount of bacteria and viruses that can flourish in moist environments.
8. Protect the Environment
Ductwork insulation can reduce the energy your HVAC system uses. By decreasing the amount of energy wastage, you can contribute to less demand for fuel needed to generate power. And, since your AC doesn’t work as hard, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. Less air and water pollution helps conserve natural resources and create a healthier environment inside and outside your home.
How Do I Insulate My HVAC Ducts?
It’s possible to apply insulation directly to your air ducts. However, not every part of your ductwork is accessible, especially the most vulnerable sections. You must also consider factors such as a material’s R-value. The higher the R-value, the better a material is at blocking the flow of heat.
An HVAC contractor can help find the best material and determine if there are air leaks to seal. Many homeowners use mastic that’s brushed onto ducts and allowed to dry. It is durable and won’t shrink away from joints, but isn’t the best solution for every home. A trained technician can determine the right product and method to use.
What Are the Best Ductwork Insulation Materials?
A few common materials are available. You may consider the following options for insulating your ductwork:
- Fiberglass: Most tube-shaped ducts have a fiberglass covering with aluminum foil on the outside. The foil holds the fiberglass in place and adds some insulating value. This insulation is easy to install and replace and absorbs noise well. However, fiberglass can absorb moisture, so it must be checked periodically for any issues.
- Fiberglass/Perforated Aluminum Foil: Compared to solid foil, perforated foil is even more effective at absorbing sound. It is also highly energy efficient. However, efficiency improvements depend on how well your ductwork and HVAC system are maintained overall.
- Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PE) Foam: A weather-resistant material, PE foam insulation is often used for exposed AC and exhaust ventilation ducts. It’s rarely used for hidden ductwork because of higher installation costs. Cross-linked polyethylene foam can also be used for wall, floor, and roof insulation.
- Duct Wrap: Duct wrap is an efficient, lightweight material that’s highly stable when used for round or rectangular ducts. It features layers of polyethylene covered by a bubble pack and a foil face on the outside. Moisture resistance makes this a viable option over fiberglass insulation.
- Duct Liner: Duct liner is an affordable option during HVAC installation. It is installed before new sheet metal ducts and is available as flexible blankets or rigid boards. The material is usually fiberglass or mineral wool.
- Spray Foam: When sprayed into gaps, cracks, and crevices, the material expands and seals any cavities. It’s also durable and won’t sag or lose shape over time.
- Duct Board: Duct board insulation is applied on the exterior of air ducts. Made of fiberglass or mineral wool, it has an outer aluminum layer that provides an air and moisture seal.
Is Ductwork Insulation required?
Air ducts in conditioned spaces don’t have to be insulated. However, insulation can help optimize performance when installed in ducts in unconditioned areas, unventilated attics, or exposed ducts on a building’s exterior. It also helps when used for ducts prone to air leakage. Additionally, insulation is beneficial when used for supply ducts connected to return plenums.
How Much Does Ductwork Installation Cost?
According to Angi, the average cost to insulate ductwork is $2,500. However, it can cost as little as $1,000. High-end installations can cost up to $6,000. The actual price varies depending on how much ductwork you have, the size of your home, and labor costs. Material type and thickness also help determine how much you pay.
Contact Trilogy AC Today
Ductwork insulation can improve comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality as well as improve the benefits of our duct installation services. We also offer IAQ solutions such as ultraviolet (UV) lights, air scrubbers, and whole-house media air cleaners and specialize in HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. Our NATE-certified technicians can assess your requirements and determine the best solution for your Texas home. To learn more or request service, call (832) 720-7641.
