Menu Close

Should you insulate ductwork?

Jim Brown

Should you insulate ductwork?

The ductwork in unconditioned areas, such as basements, floors, and ceilings is where ductwork insulation is most necessary. Cool air passing through warm areas in your home can cause condensation in the ductwork. Proper insulation levels can actually prevent condensation form occurring in your ductwork.

How much does it cost to install duct insulation?

The average duct insulation cost will be between $0.95 and $2.00 per sq. ft. installed, the cost will vary depending on a few factors which are discussed below, however r-values have the biggest impact and unsurprisingly insulation with r-values of r-3.5 are the cheaper, up to r-8.0 for the most costly.

Can I put insulation around heat ducts?

When insulating HVAC ductwork, use a foil, faced fiberglass insulation with an R-6 or higher R-value. Use the type of metallic foil duct tape recommended by the insulation manufacturer to seal and hold the insulation in place. Make sure the foil surface of the insulation is free of dust before applying the tape.

Can you add insulation to ducts?

Ducts that leak heated air into unheated spaces can add hundreds of dollars a year to your heating and cooling bills, but you can reduce that loss by sealing and insulating your ducts. Insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces is usually very cost-effective.

What R value do I need for HVAC ductwork?

Typically R-4 to R-8 is appropriate for the ducts within the insulated part of your home. No insulation up to an R-4 value will work if you have any ducts in an uninsulated or unfinished basement.

What’s the best way to install duct insulation?

Drape the duct wrap insulation blanket around the duct. Tape one end down to the duct with foil tape and pull the other end tightly. Notice that you will have a few inches of overlap in the insulation. Tape this end down tightly to the insulation. Measure and cut another piece of insulation.

What’s the best way to wrap a duct?

Tape the seam around the entire duct where the two pieces of insulation meet. Continue to cut and fasten insulation to the duct until it is completely wrapped. Dust masks should always be worn when working with insulation. The fiberglass fibers are lung irritants.

How to insulate a furnace with duct tape?

1 Check the speed of the blower motor on the furnace. If necessary, switch the wires to reduce the blower to its lowest speed. 2 Press a continuous strip of foil tape to all longitudinal seams along straight runs of duct. 3 Use a paintbrush to apply duct mastic to the joints where an elbow connects to a duct.

How do you attach a flex duct to the ceiling?

Add additional hangers as needed. When the main ducting is complete, you can run the flex duct to each room’s supply vent. Attach the flex duct to the duct board with a duct connector and a zip tie. Tape around the edges as needed. Now attach the other end to a metal diffuser and tape around the edges. Insert the diffuser into the ceiling hole.

Should you insulate ductwork?

Jim Brown

Should you insulate ductwork?

The ductwork in unconditioned areas, such as basements, floors, and ceilings is where ductwork insulation is most necessary. Cool air passing through warm areas in your home can cause condensation in the ductwork. Proper insulation levels can actually prevent condensation form occurring in your ductwork.

Can you insulate around air ducts?

Ducts that leak heated air into unheated spaces can add hundreds of dollars a year to your heating and cooling bills, but you can reduce that loss by sealing and insulating your ducts. Insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces is usually very cost-effective.

What R value do I need for HVAC ductwork?

Typically R-4 to R-8 is appropriate for the ducts within the insulated part of your home. No insulation up to an R-4 value will work if you have any ducts in an uninsulated or unfinished basement.

How thick is r6 duct insulation?

K-Flex Duct® Liner R-6 and R-8 Black Insulation is an environmentally friendly, CFC- and HCFC-free, closed-cell, flexible elastomeric thermal and acoustical insulation. It is black in color and supplied as rolls up to 2” thick.

What should I use to insulate my air ducts?

Duct insulation will further reduce the loss of heat (or cold, for A/C) through your ducts, improving the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. Choose your insulation. Foil-backed fiberglass bats are a cost-effective option. As long as the insulation is heat-resistant, and rated at least R-6, you’re good to go. Gather other materials.

Where does the insulation go in flexible ductwork?

Sometimes the insulation is inside the ductwork. Other times insulation may be on the outside. Because the moving air is in the ductwork for only a short period of time, it does not need the insulation R-Value the attic floor requires. Flexible ductwork comes with different insulation R-Values.

Why do you need to seal your air ducts?

Now that your ducts are nicely sealed, let’s snug them up with some insulation. Duct insulation will further reduce the loss of heat (or cold, for A/C) through your ducts, improving the overall efficiency of your HVAC system.

Where are air ducts located in a home?

Most ducts are located in the walls of a home, terminating at vents that blow out hot or cold air. Typically made from galvanized steel or aluminum, most ducts do not hold in heat or cold very well. They rely on wall insulation to retain their efficiency.