Insulating Your Ducts

[@PapaEdy]

I started with the longest run, coldest room (wintertime), along with sealing the joints, and picked up about 8 degrees at the vent a 4 degrees in the room. I used 2 layers for a gap. Worked great. It also lowered my basement temperature from 74 (to hot for a basement) to 70. I plan to continue insulting the ducks...and get the heat to where I want it, and stop wasting it on the basement. The comfort factor was well worth it.

[@analogkidt4e]

I noticed a difference in the house over the winter too, every bit helps.

[@craigheimericks4594]

It's even more effective if you cut two inch strips and wrap two of those around a duct every 16" before adding the full layer. It almost doubles the insulation value. Also, if you're returns are in unconditioned spaces, insulating those definitely helps, especially if you have a heat pump.

[@analogkidt4e]

You are correct and the reflectix website also recommends a 3/4 inch gap to improve R value. This is existing ductwork, it would be easy to do just that before installation. I was working on a ladder with several obsticles and not wanting to spend too much time on the whole process. Also, the space between the supply and return is very narrow so I didn't worry about the returns. Maybe a project for another time. Thanks for watching!

[@risserrae]

Would you attach the 2” strips with tape? Staples?

[@baconlips]

Great work! Tight application! Most people don't realize the value of infrared barrier. Thanks

[@analogkidt4e]

Reflectix provides an excellent radiant barrier and is moisture, mold and mildew resistant. Maybe in the Spring I will try it on my garage door. Thanks for watching!

[@brimis820]

Looks great, will tackle my basement soon. Thanks for posting.

[@analogkidt4e]

It does work and make a difference, good luck and thanlks for watching!

[@ravenkitty1960]

And be sure to paint all connections and elbow bends to seal air leaks first. I agree 100% with the strips of insulation wrap every 16" to provide that air gap (free insulation)before wrapping.

[@frankhale6485]

You have made a big difference in the air leaving your furnace thank you for the video. I think as a homeowner to insulate the return air docs even though people don’t think so because if the air inside your house is 68° going through the cold space will cool it off before it gets to your furnace and your reheating it, but if that air in your house is 68° can you put it through an insulated air duct? It may only lose 1° or less by the time it reaches your furnace reheating that air takes less energy with your air conditioning if the temperature air that’s returning to your furnace to be cooled goes through a hot space or maybe in your case your basement cooler it will cool it and not be an advantage but when it comes to, dead air as well and ceiling all of those ducks you’re not collecting any dust as well just a thought and thank you so much for the video. I really appreciate your help.

[@jayso1]

Did you overlap the insulation by an inch and staple (then followed by the tape), or cut to the point the insulation just meets and you taped the seem?

[@analogkidt4e]

I did not overlap or staple any seams, I just used tape. This started out as just a little experiment to see how much a difference it would make. This was not a perfect job as there were places I couldn't Insulate. Even with the gaps, this does really work. Thanks for watching!

[@rvbtx1]

Off course you insulate the return, if you gain heat in the supply the same happens to the return. All an AC does is drop the temperature of the air 20 degrees accross the coil, you want to get the temperature entering the coil as close as possible to the temperature entering the return grille for maximum efficiency. If you gain even 2 degrees because the air travel thru and unconditioned space the supply will be 2 degrees warmer than it could be. 2 degrees doesn't sound mich but it's 10% loss.

[@analogkidt4e]

You bring up an excellent point. In my application this was existing ductwork and due to how close the supply and return ducts are and other obsticles I decided not to at this time. Maybe someday.

[@jmurphy2611]

Did you first seal your duct joints before installing the insulation? Also, for the main rectangular trunk lines, did you consider using 1/2" polyisocyanurate foamboard which is much cheaper that the reflectix insulation? It comes in 4'x8' sheets, and is very easy to cut and put in place. I'm considering using it. You must have used quite a bit of that reflectix insulation, but it looks real nice.

[@analogkidt4e]

I sealed all seams and joints a few years back and they all had leaks. I did consider foamboard but to be honest reflectix is so easy to work with and looks pretty cool too! Also I can't use foamboard around the round ducts. I think I used about 2 and a half rolls. Thanks for watching and yes, it does make a difference.

[@billon2wheels]

Good job!

[@analogkidt4e]

Thanks man!

[@intentsone100]

I don's see any ducks though.🤣

[@bobbywanger8123]

👍