Should Your Ductwork Be Insulated?

The simple answer to this question is yes—ductwork insulation comes with many benefits, including lower energy bills and prevention of severe damage. In fact, the comfort of your living space is likely to suffer without it! Here’s why homeowners in Portage, MI should inspect their HVAC systems, along with some information concerning what insulation can be used for ducts.

Seal cracks for improved airflow

Ductwork insulation will deliver more hot and cold air to the rooms in your house. If rooms get too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer, there might be hidden cracks in the supply ducts. This part of the HVAC system is responsible for transporting heat from the furnace and cool air from the central AC unit to frequently used spaces like the kitchen, bedrooms and living room.

Also, make sure air doesn’t escape through joints in the ductwork. New ducts are more likely to cause insufficient airflow due to poor installation. This will cost you more in the long run, because leaky ducts are the number one reason why homeowners experience a spike in their energy bills. Prepare your home for those intense Portage, MI winters by insulating ducts before temperatures drop outside.

Prevent frozen pipes in the basement

While picking out insulation that can be used for ducts, you should also consider reinforcing the basement and attic walls. Exposed ductwork often runs through unconditioned space, which means the room doesn’t use an HVAC system to maintain a consistent temperature. Attics and basements are unconditioned spaces that depend on insulation to guard against external temperatures.

If you insulate ducts within a basement, hot air won’t leak and warm up the unconditioned space. Although duct insulation helps conserve energy, it may also cause the water in pipes to drop below freezing and burst. Installing insulation along both the ductwork and basement walls provides an even balance of hot and cold air. Your HVAC contractor in Portage, MI is licensed to put up new insulation and will ensure the job is done right.

Recommended insulation materials

Once you’ve identified cracks, the next step is to decide what insulation can be used for your ducts. A liquid substance called duct mastic is the preferred insulation material for do-it-yourselfers. You can find duct mastic at the local hardware store, and it’s very easy to work with. Simply apply the mastic with a paintbrush and wait for it to dry.

However, duct mastic won’t seal gaps wider than a quarter of an inch. In this case, you’ll need butyl or foil tape. They’re flexible, super durable and create an airtight seal on ductwork. Other kinds of tape wear down in a short amount of time and won’t stop air from escaping through cracks. You can also talk to an HVAC contractor about more insulation ideas.

Of course, not all ductwork can be fixed with a little bit of tape. Ducts with extensive damage need to be replaced by a professional. The HVAC contractors at All Brands Heating & Cooling have the equipment and expertise necessary to install new ductwork in your home. We also help homeowners identify and seal minor cracks. Take a look through our comprehensive ductwork services to learn why we’re the go-to contractors in Portage, MI.

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