How Much Does Ductwork Insulation Cost? 2025 [Data]

Normal Range: $1,000 - $2,700

The average ductwork insulation cost is $2,500, though most homeowners pay between $1,000 and $2,700 depending on the material.

How we get this data
Woman reading book and snuggling with her dog
Photo: Jessica Peterson / Tetra images / Getty Images
Woman reading book and snuggling with her dog
Photo: Jessica Peterson / Tetra images / Getty Images

The average ductwork insulation cost is about $2,500, though most homeowners spend between $1,000 and $2,700 on this project. Whether you’re seeking cool refuge on a hot summer day or a warm and cozy space when the weather gets cold, your ductwork needs proper insulation to keep you and your family comfortable.

Insulating your HVAC system ductwork can help lower your energy bills and make maintaining your home’s temperature easier.

Ductwork Insulation Cost by Material

Insulation MaterialCost per Square Foot
Fiberglass$1–$4
Reflective coil$4–$8
Spray foam$8–$13
Foam or duct board$6–$10

One of the biggest cost factors when insulating your HVAC system is the type of insulation you choose to use. Insulation comes in many forms, and the cost of each type of insulation can vary based on its thickness and the material from which it’s made.

The basic types most commonly used to insulate air ducts include the following:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass duct insulation costs $1 to $4 per square foot, making it the most affordable option. It’s known for its easy installation and flexibility, and its energy efficiency can also lower bills.

Reflective Coil

Reflective coil duct insulation costs $4 to $8 per square foot. It works by using reflective surfaces to reduce heat loss and boost your HVAC’s efficiency. It’s often installed outside of the ducts using spacers to create air space.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation costs $8 to $13 per square foot. This material is sprayed into open cracks, gaps, and crevices, then expands up to 100 times its original size to seal those cavities against air leaks. It also won’t sag or lose shape over time. 

Duct Board Insulation

Foam or duct board insulation costs $6 to $10 per square foot. Often applied to the exterior of HVAC ducts, these 1-, 1 ½-, or 2-inch thick boards are made from either fiberglass or mineral wool with an outer aluminum layer to seal out air and moisture.

Ductwork Insulation Cost by R-Value

The IECC has specific insulation requirements for ducts. Attic ducts larger than three inches in diameter, for example, must have a minimum thickness of R-8, while all ducts smaller than three inches must maintain a minimum thickness of R-6. For ducts less than 3 inches, the insulation thickness should be at least R-4.2. It's worth noting that thicker insulation enhances temperature retention and reduces noise. However, it's important to remember that higher R-values come with a higher price tag.

R-ValueCost per Square Foot
R-3.5–R-6.0$0.95–$1.37
R-6.0$1.45–$1.85
R-8.0$1.50–$2

Cost of Ductwork Insulation by Location

Worker wrapping air duct with mineral wool
Photo: MyrKu / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

The cost to insulate your HVAC system’s ductwork will vary depending on the labor cost in your local area. Below is a list of the typical price range for ductwork insulation in several major cities throughout the U.S.

CityPrice Range
Charlotte, NC$930–$1,780
Oklahoma City$960–$1,850
Denver$990–$1,920
Kansas City, MO$1,010–$1,980
Hartford, CT$1,060–$2,100
Chicago$1,110–$2,230
San Francisco$1,180–$2,410
New York$1,260–$2,600
Honolulu$1,300–$2,690

Insulating Ductwork Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

Ductwork insulation tends to be a messy and labor-intensive project that involves accessing hard-to-reach areas of your home. Removing and reattaching any sections of ductwork may be necessary to complete the task. However, in most municipalities, only licensed HVAC technicians are allowed to do the work.

We recommend consulting with a professional insulation contractor in your area or a local duct installer to get an estimate instead of doing the project yourself.

Cost of Common Ductwork Add-Ons

While a technician is on-site insulating your home's ductwork, it's also a good time to consider having them tackle other HVAC-related tasks on your to-do list.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Insulating your ducts offers several benefits, including:

  • Improved energy efficiency: Duct insulation prevents energy losses, reducing heating and cooling costs.

  • Cost savings: Lower energy bills make insulation a cost-effective investment.

  • Environmental benefits: Enhanced efficiency reduces your carbon footprint.

  • Consistent comfort: Insulated ducts help maintain a stable indoor temperature.

  • Better indoor air quality: Reduced allergens and pollutants improve air quality.

There are no building codes requiring HVAC duct insulation for ductwork in conditioned spaces, like walls or floors. Unfinished basements are also exempt from this requirement. However, many homeowners choose to insulate their home's ductwork in some or all of these areas to increase the system's efficiency and reduce potentially harmful areas of condensation.

If you feel your energy bills are too high or your HVAC system is working harder than necessary to maintain the correct temperature in your home, you may have an under-insulated home. If you’re unsure, consider having your system’s efficiency assessed by a local independent energy auditor.

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