If your energy bill is higher than you expected, it may be time to evaluate your HVAC system to ensure that it’s energy efficient. The best way to do this is to have the system inspected and serviced annually, to boost the performance and reduce your energy bills. But, the problem may not lie in the HVAC equipment, and the delivery system may be the cause. We rely on the network of ductwork in our homes to distribute the treated air to our heating vents. If there are cracks, gaps, or breaks in the ductwork, the warmed or cooled air can escape, and this is a waste of money. In this article, we will look at the importance of ductwork insulation and how you can seal gaps without any special DIY skills.

A Brief Ductwork Insulation Primer 

Most of the ductwork installed in homes is made of fiberglass or metal, and it connects the HVAC system to the vents. The ductwork carries the cold or hot air passing through the walls and ceilings to reach each room. The ducts can be installed in areas that have not climate control, such as crawl spaces and the attic. These areas are more affected by the external temperatures than the occupied parts of your home. So, if it’s summer and it’s hot outside, these spaces will be warmer than the living spaces in your home and vice versa in winter.

The only way to protect the ductwork is to make sure that it’s sealed and insulated to prevent treated air from escaping and the temperatures from penetrating the ducts. If the ductwork is not poorly insulated, the air that you’ve spent money to treat will simply be lost in those areas. So, if you take the time to insulate the ductwork in your home, you can reduce the strain on your HVAC system and lower your energy bills at the same time.

One of the best things about insulation, in general, is that it’s a passive way to save energy. Insulation isn’t too expensive when you consider the energy savings that can be made, and this is a simple task. With a few simple tools and a little know how, it’s even possible to insulate the ductwork in your home in a single afternoon. In the next section, we will look at what you need to insulate your own ductwork and how to install it safely.

How to Insulate Your Ductwork

There are several basic tools and supplies that you will need before you attempt to insulate your own ductwork; they are:

  1. The thermal insulation.
  2. A couple of tubes of duct sealent (mastic).
  3. A carpenters square.
  4. A roll of metal tape.
  5. A pair of goggles.
  6. A dust mask.
  7. A utility knife.

How to Choose the Right Thermal Insulation

The insulation that you need will depend on the type of climate where you live. In colder climes, the insulation material will need great insulation properties. Every insulation material is measured with an R-value, which represents its resistance to an air and temperature flow. For domestic applications, you need to choose an insulation material that has an R-value of 6 or more.

5 Steps to Insulate Your HVAC Ductwork

Now that you have your tools, supplies, and thermal insulation, it’s time to insulate your ductwork. Follow these five simple steps, take your time, and if you’re not sure about the process, contact a local certified HVAC professional for expert help and advice.

  1. Checking the Ductwork for Leaks

The ductwork needs to be physically inspected for cracks, gaps, and tears. Feel around the ductwork for any evidence of air escaping from the surface. If you have an incense stick or a smoke pencil that will show any small air leaks.

  1. Sealing the Gaps

Once you’ve located the air leaks, it’s time to seal them using the duct sealant. Check the existing levels of insulation and the condition at those points. If the insulation is in good condition around the gap, you can simply apply the new insulation over it. If the insulation is in poor condition, remove it carefully and get your tools ready.

  1. Cutting the Insulation to Size

Take the utility blade and the carpenters square and cut the insulation to the correct length and width to seal the gap. Don’t make the length too short; the last thing you need is a tight layer of insulation that compresses the ductwork to reduce airflow.

  1. Installing the Insulation

The insulation should be attached at the seams with long sections of the metal tape. The seams need to be sealed tightly to prevent any condensation from getting into and under the insulation.

  1. Continue the Process

Now that this gap is sealed, it’s time to move along the ductwork to detect and seal other air gaps that are allowing treated air to escape.

The only real drawback to insulating your own ductwork is time and accessibility. Many sections of ductwork may be located in attics, walls, and crawl spaces where they may be hard to reach. Working in these areas can be difficult if you’re not used to this type of activity, and it’s important to take it slow and steady.

Professional Ductwork Attention

If you’re not comfortable working in tight spaces or you’re not good with hand tools, it’s time to contact a professional. A certified HVAC technician has specialized tools to find air leaks quickly and the skills to access and fix the problem in next to no time. In some cases, the ductwork may be too badly damaged, and it may be a better idea to replace the ductwork altogether. The HVAC technician will advise you if this is the case, and it’s not as bad as it may appear at first. Installing new ductwork will ensure that the system is clean, fresh, sealed, and insulated for better energy efficiency. If your ductwork is repairable, it’s a great idea to get the ducts cleaned to remove any bacteria and mold that could be compromising the indoor air quality.