How to Insulate an HVAC Trunk
HVAC ducts transfer the warm, heated air from the furnace to the supply air registers. These HVAC ducts usually run through unheated spaces like basements or attics. Since HVAC ducts are made of galvanized metal, and galvanized metal is an excellent conductor of heat, significant heat loss can occur as the air moves through the duct work. To counteract this problem, HVAC ducts are usually insulated. The insulation significantly reduces the heat loss. It is fairly easy to insulate an HVAC trunk, with only a few required tools to complete the job. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Calculator
- Utility knife
- Duct insulation
- 3-inch foil aluminum tape
Instructions
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Measure the circumference of the duct. HVAC trunks are typically square, so to get the circumference, you'll want to measure all four sides of the duct. For example a 12-inch by 10-inch duct would have sides of 12, 10, 12, 10 and have a circumference of 44 inches.
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Roll the duct insulation out on the floor and cut your insulation. Take your circumference and add 6 inches to it to allow for insulation thickness and overlap. So if your circumference was 44 inches, add 6 inches to it and cut your insulation at 50 inches long.
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Wrap the insulation around the duct and pull it snug and tight. Where the two ends overlap, seal the seam with 3-inch foil aluminum tape.
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Continue measuring and cutting the insulation until the entire HVAC trunk is insulated. Tape all seams and joints with the 3-inch foil aluminum tape.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also staple the insulation together before taping it to ensure a longer-lasting seal, however this can be much more labor intensive.
Do not use duct tape to tape the seams and joints. Over time, duct tape breaks down and will fall off. This will cause the insulation to fall off the duct.
