4 Types of Duct Insulation for Your Home

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 how well your ducts are insulated. 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: 

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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? 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!