Insulation is applied to ductwork to enhance thermal performance and prevent condensation and dripping. Return air ducts only need to be insulated if they pass through environments that adversely affect the return air temperature. Exhaust air ducts normally do not need insulation.
In this manner, is return duct insulated?
However, in recent years, U.S. department of energy codes (ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and 2010) indicates that returns should in fact be insulated, though not usually with the same insulation thickness as the supply.
Additionally, should return air ducts be sealed? Return systems should be “hard” ducted and sealed with mastic in order to be airtight. Building cavities should never be used as return ducts. Stud bays or cavities should not be used for returns.
Also know, how do you insulate air 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.
Should ductwork in crawl space be insulated?
Adding insulation to your ductwork regulates the temperature. It keeps your ducts from being affected by the temperature in the crawl space. When you aren’t heating the air twice to get your home to the right temperature, you’ll save on your utility bills. You’ll also save on furnace maintenance and repair.
14 Related Question Answers Found
How can I hide my HVAC ducts in my basement?
Paint. The fastest and least expensive way to cover your duct work is to paint it the same color as your ceiling. Soffits. Soffits, also called bulkheads, are a frame you build around the duct work to hide it from view. Drop Ceiling. Flattened Ducts.
Is insulating ductwork worth it?
Ducts are made of sheet metal, fiberglass, or other materials. 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 should the temperature difference be between supply and return?
The temperature your AC puts out is relative to the temperature you set on your thermostat. So even though there’s no single ideal temperature, you do want a 16°–22° F difference from the supply air and return air. Professionals call this temperature difference the evaporator Delta T.
How much does it cost to insulate air ducts?
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 insulate my furnace?
Insulating the walls and ceiling in a furnace room can reduce heating costs and make the furnace more energy-efficient. Rigid foam insulation is attached to the walls with adhesive, and to the ceiling with adhesive and roofing nails.
What is the disadvantage in having ducts in the ceiling?
Ceiling ducts cannot be used with radiant heating systems, which generate heat from the floors. Ceiling ducts are more visible than floor ducts and harder to camouflage. Since heat dispersed from ceiling ducts reaches the upper air first, the HVAC system has to work harder to push the heat lower into a room.
What is the best insulation for ductwork?
The fiberglass duct board is by far the most effective. You can find formaldehyde-free insulation that also has an acrylic coating. This coating will help to keep the glass fibers from your airstream and excess noise from your home. You will also be able to enjoy a higher air quality.
What is the best material for ductwork?
Galvanized steel and aluminum are the most common materials for sheet metal ducts. Aluminum in particular is relatively light and easy to install. They are also the least likely to harbor dangerous molds or growths because they have non-porous surfaces.
Can you insulate around heating ducts?
Air ducts typically are not insulated, creating costly heating and cooling losses. You can insulate the round air ducts serving your rooms with standard insulation batts or special-purpose duct insulation. Insulating your air ducts can save 10 percent to 30 percent on energy bills while improving comfort.
How do you insulate ductwork under a house?
Before you insulate, however, plug any air leaks by sealing all the joints with caulk or tape. Look for “duct wrap,” a fiberglass product with an outer foil vapor barrier. The foil barrier prevents condensation (and mold) from forming on the duct. Unfortunately, R-8 duct wrap can be difficult to find.
How do you seal ductwork?
Duct joints should always be secured with #8 sheet-metal screws before seams are sealed with mastic. Sealing duct seams is messy work, so wear old clothes. The mastic is spread over duct seams with a disposable paintbrush, putty knife, or your fingers. (If you spread mastic with your fingers, wear rubber gloves.)
How do you insulate ductwork in your elbows?
Wipe the elbow clean and dry with old rag. Cut a length of flexible aluminum insulation to fit the ductwork elbow. Wrap the cut length of insulation around the elbow and seal it tightly with duct tape.
Can Return air vents be on floor?
What Is An Air Return Vent? An air return vent is part of the HVAC system. Return vents are usually larger than heat registers and can generally be found close to the ground or in the floor in older homes or on a wall close to a ceiling in newer homes.
What is return air duct?
Return air ducts balance airflow in your HVAC system — The primary role of return ducts is to bring air that has been warmed or cooled back to your furnace or air conditioner. This air is returned so that it can be heated or cooled again, filtered of particulates and contaminants, and redistributed inside your home.