New Hampshire Homeowners: Duct Insulation Saves You Money

Is the temperature in your home just a few degrees below where you want it to be this winter? Heating contractors in New Hampshire recommend insulating your ducts, if you want to keep your heating system running smoothly this winter.

The duct network is one of the most important components of your heating system. The air generated by your home’s heating and cooling units is circulated throughout your home by the duct system, helping to maintain indoor temperature settings. In order to be working efficiently and effectively, ducts need to be sufficiently insulated.

Benefits of insulated ducts:

• Regulate warming or cooling air flow.
• Prevent condensation from forming on the outside of ducts.
• Prevent mold growth and other damage to ducts, such as rust and staining.
• Lower energy consumption and cut your utility bills by 25 to 35 percent.

Repairing Duct Leaks

Duct insulation is best left to a professional. Before installing insulation around the ductwork, an experienced heating contractor will inspect ducts for leaks that need to be repaired. Leaks and small holes can significantly reduce the efficiency of your heating system, resulting in higher energy bills and making it more difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature during the winter.

Leaks are repaired using either a mastic sealant or metal-backed tape in combination with an aerosol sealer.

Insulating Ducts

Duct insulation should have a minimum R-rating of 5.0 for the best efficiency and insulation performance.

When insulating ducts, your contractor will use one of these three options:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass lining is easy to install, cost effective, and can reduce the noise of your heating system. With the foil side out, the insulation is placed up against the duct so it can help to regulate warm or cool air flow and prevent condensation that can cause the growth of bacteria and mold.

When using fiberglass, you’ll need to schedule regular inspections to check for condensation, dampness, and deterioration and damage to the fiberglass material.

Loose Fill

Loose fill insulation is often used in unfinished attics or irregularly shaped areas. Made from fiber glass or rock wool, the insulation is blown around the ductwork until the entire duct is covered. Loose fill duct insulation comes with the same pros and cons of fiberglass insulation.

Duct Wrap

Lightweight, efficient, and easy to install, fiber-free duct wrap is made up of bubble-spaced foils. These bubbles keep the insulation from directly touching the duct, eliminating the condensation and moisture problems that can occur with fiberglass. Duct wrap is environmentally friendly and the reflective layers are designed as an insulating blanket to regulate warm air during the winter and cooler air during the summer.

Is it time for an inspection of your ducts to ensure they’re free of leaks and working at maximum efficiency? Contact a HomeAdvisor heating and cooling contractor in New Hampshire for duct insulation and maintenance.

This Patch article is sponsored by Home Advisor.