It’s impossible to overstate the importance of air ducts in any HVAC system. The health of your family, indoor air quality, and the lifespan of your HVAC system depend on proper AC duct insulation. For this reason, the following article explores different types of duct insulation and helps you determine which one will work best for your home in Cherry Hill, NJ.
However, if you have difficulty deciding on your own, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Get in touch with your local insulation company to find out which one will provide you with a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.
What are the different types of duct insulation?
The type of duct insulation you choose is determined by your budget, your desired insulation area, and the type of ducts you have. The following are the four most common materials used for air duct insulation:
Fiberglass insulation with aluminum foil
HVAC ducts are typically insulated with fiberglass. As a rule of thumb, flexible, tube-shaped ductwork usually has fiberglass coverings. This type of insulation is coated with a shiny aluminum foil that holds the fiberglass in place. They are particularly useful in attics and other tight spaces that are not easily accessible.
Cross-linked polyethylene insulation foam
Polyethylene is commonly used to insulate air conditioning and exhaust ventilation ducts. Due to its weather-resistant nature, it’s preferable to use PE insulation for exposed ducts. However, polyethylene insulation usually costs more than fiberglass insulation, which is why PE foam is rarely used to insulate ductwork hidden from sight.
Rockwool insulation with perforated metal sheet
Rockwool is another alternative to fiberglass that also has soundproofing properties. Since it’s a highly durable material, it makes an excellent choice for insulating the inside of ductwork. Given it’s made of recycled materials, you can feel good knowing that it’s also an environmentally friendly option.
Fiberglass insulation with perforated aluminum foil
Choosing an appropriate insulation material, like duct liner, can drastically reduce noise levels. A perforated foil is preferable to a solid foil for effective sound absorption. In addition to improving your home’s acoustic comfort, this type of fiberglass is highly energy efficient, resulting in lower utility bills. All this depends, however, on the maintenance of the ductwork and system.
Reasons to insulate ductwork
It’s crucial to understand all the benefits of properly insulated air ducts before choosing an insulation type.
The air passing through your ductwork often encounters problems, especially in the attic, which rarely receives air conditioning. Because of this, dust and pollutants from your attic enter uninsulated air ducts and change the temperature and quality of the air.
The benefits of properly insulated air ducts include:
Improved indoor air quality
More efficient HVAC system
Having a quieter, odor-free environment
Savings on energy
What is insulation R-value?
You’ve probably heard of the term “R-value.” This refers to how thermally resistant each insulation is. In general, the higher the insulation R-value, the better the heat resistance.
Insulation R-values vary depending on where you live in the country. For example, 38 is the minimum R-value recommended in New Jersey for attic insulation.
When is insulation required on air ducts?
While insulation isn’t necessary for air ducts in conditioned spaces, other circumstances require insulation for optimal performance. These include:
Ducts exposed on building exteriors
Ducts in unventilated attics
Supply runouts and outlets in return plenums
Ducts that are prone to leakage
Ducts in unconditioned spaces
Old ducts
How to insulate AC ducts?
Proper ductwork insulation is essential for optimized efficiency of your HVAC system. First of all, you should get foil-faced insulation with an R-6 or higher value. Cut it to the needed length and width and fit it snugly around the duct, paying attention not to compress the fiberglass. Apply small pieces of manufacturer-recommended duct tape to hold the insulation in place. Seal the entire length of the seam with a long strip and make sure that no gaps remain as you continue to insulate the rest of the ductwork. If you’re still not sure how to insulate air ducts or you don’t think you have the necessary experience and skills, make sure you reach out to qualified professionals who can provide you with a reliable service and secure your system’s optimal performance.
Where in Cherry Hill can I find a high-quality insulation company?
Wondering if it is the right time to replace your attic insulation and what benefits you can expect if you choose the right insulation materials? Should you insulate air ducts at all? Whatever your question, Allied Experts is happy to help!
With years of experience in the field, we know how to offer protection for your home’s structure with high-quality insulation that will last for many years and will reduce your energy consumption. Whether you’re located near Cherry Hill Mall or elsewhere in the area, we’re at your service. Get in touch with us today and enjoy our 24/7 availability and our client-centric approach!
