The average ductwork insulation cost is $2,500, though most homeowners pay between $1,000 and $2,700 depending on the material.
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.
| Insulation Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Duct liner | $1,950–$2,200 |
| Duct wrap | $2,250–$2,500 |
| Spray foam | $1,150–$3,500 |
| Duct board | $5,250–$5,500 |
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:
Duct liner
Spray foam
Duct wrap
Duct board
If you’re installing a new HVAC system, the most affordable insulation option is to apply duct liner before new sheet metal ducts are installed. It comes in one-half to 2-inch thick flexible blankets or rigid boards of fiberglass or mineral wool.
The cost to insulate 1,000 square feet of ductwork with duct liner is between $1,950 and $2,200.
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. Insulating 1,000 square feet of ductwork with spray foam is between $1,150 and $3,500.
This blanket-like insulation is typically wrapped around the exterior of sheet metal ducts, making it easier to install on round ducts. It can also be applied to rectangular ducts. The cost to insulate 1,000 square feet of ductwork with duct wrap is between $2,250 and $2,500.
Typically 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. The cost to insulate 1,000 square feet of ductwork with duct board is between $5,250 and $5,500.
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-Value | Cost 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 |
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.
| City | Price 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 |
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.
The job also requires specialized equipment that only pros will have on hand. These include:
| Tool or Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Insulation material | $1.70–$5 per square foot |
| Dust mask | $13 per pack |
| Hammer | $8–$20 |
| Safety glasses | $2–$20 |
| Straightedge ruler | $20–$25 |
| Utility knife | $7–$10 |
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.
Duct sealing cost: $500 – $4,000
Duct cleaning cost: $270 – $500
Rerouting ducts cost: $1,500 – $9,000
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.
