Many HVAC systems require a quality air duct system to move cooled or heated air throughout the home or facility. Insulation is often required for such ductwork.
In this blog post, the insulation experts at Gold Star Insulation explain how insulation works with your property’s air ducts, why it’s important and when it’s required for your air ducts.
What Is Air Duct Insulation?
When your ductwork moves air throughout your home or business, there’s the potential for leaks and energy transfer. Cool air can get warmer, and warm air can get cooler as it passes through your air ducts.
Insulation seals the ductwork against leaks and protects against energy transfer so that by the time it reaches the top floor of your house, it’s still just as cool or warm as it was when it left the HVAC unit in your basement.
Why Air Duct Insulation Is Important for Your Home
Air duct insulation in your home is important for many reasons:
- Proper insulation prevents moisture leaks and condensation.
- It promotes the longevity of ducts, pipes and vents.
- It enables better airflow control.
- It enhances ductwork efficiency.
- It helps keep energy bills to a minimum.
- It keeps duct maintenance to a minimum.
- It reduces HVAC noise.
Does your home require insulated air ducts? It depends on individual state codes. In California, air ducts enclosed in conditioned spaces are not required to be insulated. However, in unconditioned spaces, ductwork must have some insulation.
Other Air Duct Insulation Codes & Requirements
Supply & Return air ducts that services homes, workspaces, offices, warehouses and other commercial facilities are critical to a properly working HVAC. Without reliable air ducts, your heating and cooling systems couldn’t do their jobs and you’d be wasting a lot of money on related monthly expenses.
Duct systems without proper insulation can lose as much as 30% of their energy. That’s why there are multiple codes and regulations that, when applied, promote safety and efficiency. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), among other agencies, provide building codes & standards regarding air duct insulation, including:
- ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and 2010
- Climate zones (Sacramento is in zone 12)
- Internal Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009 and 2012
- International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009 and 2012
- R-value of R-6 or R-8 in California (Zone 3)
These codes & R-Value standards cover various scenarios such as air ducts in unventilated attics, attics venting directly to outside, supply/return ducts in a vented crawl space, ducts exposed on building exteriors, and more.
Sacramento Homeowners Can Schedule Air Duct Testing To Learn More
Scheduling an air duct inspection from Gold Star Insulation will identify where insulation is required, such as at joints or in unconditioned areas of the property like the attic or basement.
Our well-trained, highly skilled insulation professionals can also help identify whether you have enough insulation or if damaged ducts need to be replaced.
Based on our wide array of insulation materials, we can recommend specific products to fit your requirements and budget. We’ll also make sure your insulation complies with applicable regulations and is as energy-efficient as possible.
Insulation products and solutions we provide include:
- Radiant barrier insulation
- Air sealing
- Duct replacement
- Rigid foam insulation
- Fiberglass insulation
- Cellulose insulation
Call 916-441-6200 to learn more about insulation services from Gold Star Insulation in the Sacramento area.
