Duct systems
are channeled throughout a home in order to circulate the air supplied by your
heating and cooling (HVAC) units. In order to help maintain the temperature of
this channeled air, these ducts must be insulated at all times. Most of the
time this is already taken care of if they reside in conditioned parts of the
house (such as your walls), however in unconditioned areas (such as floors and
ceilings), these ducts may need additional help. If they are not properly
sealed and insulated, you are risking energy loss through leaks, temperature
drops, and condensation build-up.
Energy Loss
If you don't have appropriate insulators, the air in the ducts can't maintain a regulated temperature. In other words, if the air in the ducts cools off, instead of heating your house these channels could be blowing out cold air. Plus, ductwork insulation prevents any condensation from forming: if you have cool air passing through warm areas of your home, moisture may form on the surfaces of the ducts. This can create damage, mold, and further inefficiency. So if you want to save 25-35% on your utility bills, look into protecting all your ducts because if you don't seal the entire system other insulated areas of your home will be effected and begin to lose energy as well.
If you don't have appropriate insulators, the air in the ducts can't maintain a regulated temperature. In other words, if the air in the ducts cools off, instead of heating your house these channels could be blowing out cold air. Plus, ductwork insulation prevents any condensation from forming: if you have cool air passing through warm areas of your home, moisture may form on the surfaces of the ducts. This can create damage, mold, and further inefficiency. So if you want to save 25-35% on your utility bills, look into protecting all your ducts because if you don't seal the entire system other insulated areas of your home will be effected and begin to lose energy as well.
Prep Steps
Before installation, you must hire a contractor to inspect and repair all possible duct leaks. Leakage accounts for most energy inefficiency because it reduces air velocity (the better the air velocity, the better the temperature control in the duct). Many contractors cover the leak with a material called mastic, which can be brushed onto the duct and then left to dry for a day. Metal-backed tape can also used, along with aerosol sealants for those hard to reach areas. Traditional duct tape will not work because it can't withstand extreme temperature fluctuations and will eventually fall off.
Home
Basic Materials
Fight Against Global Warming
Thermal Insulation in Science Projects
Cold Storage Rooms Insulating Panels
How to Insulate Attic Flooring
