DUCT SEALING, INSULATION, REPLACEMENT

Duct sealing and insulation upgrades.

Sealing and insulating your heat and cooling system’s ductwork is a smart, affordable way to reduce energy waste and help your HVAC system work more efficiently year-round. Don’t miss out on a $300 duct sealing or replacement rebate from TVA EnergyRight® and your local power company.

Is it time to replace your heating and cooling equipment?

Leaky ducts can let up to 30% of the conditioned air that you’re paying for escape before it reaches its destination. That means higher energy bills, more strain on your HVAC system and uncomfortable hot or cold spots in your home. Sealing and insulating ducts — especially those located in attics, basements and crawlspaces — can improve your system’s efficiency and comfort levels almost immediately.

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What you need to know about insulating and sealing your ducts.

Why duct sealing and insulation matter.

Your duct system carries heated or cooled air from your HVAC system to different rooms in your home. But if those ducts have holes, loose connections or are poorly insulated, conditioned air escapes before entering your home. Sealing duct leaks and adding insulation ensures that more of your energy dollars go toward your comfort — not into your crawlspace or attic.

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Illustration showing R-factor recommendations across the seven-state Tennessee Valley region.

What is an R-Value?

Duct insulation helps maintain the temperature of the air moving through your ductwork, especially in unconditioned spaces. It’s typically made from fiberglass or foil-backed materials and is rated using R-Values. The higher the R-Value, the better it resists heat transfer. In our southeastern region, R-1.9 to R-8 may be recommended, depending on the location of your ducts. A member of the Quality Contractor Network can help you determine the right R-Value for your ducts.

What types of duct insulation and sealing methods are commonly used?

Choosing the right duct insulation and sealing method depends on your home’s specific needs. Here are four of the most common types:

Mastic sealant or metal tape

Used to close seams and gaps in duct joints. Both options are more durable and effective than duct tape.

Duct insulation wrap

Fiberglass insulation with foil backing that’s wrapped around ducts in unconditioned spaces to prevent heat loss or gain.

Aeroseal or professional sealing

A spray sealant that's applied inside the ducts to seal leaks from the inside out.

Foam board insulation

Rigid foam panels with a high R-value. They’re used in spaces like basements or attics to insulate exposed ductwork.

Where should I seal and insulate?

Any ductwork found in your attic, garage, basement, crawlspace or unconditioned spaces should be sealed and insulated. Be sure to look for leaks near air handler connections and around bends and joints.

Couple on couch, looking at a tablet, thinking about home energy improvements.

Can this lower my HVAC costs?

Absolutely. Properly sealed and insulated ducts help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Which, in addition to lowering your energy bill, could lead to fewer repairs and a longer system life.

Duct maintenance, sealing and insulation that’s right for your home.

A member of the Quality Contractor Network can help you determine which type of duct sealing and/or insulation is right for your home. Here’s what you’ll need to know to get started.

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