How Much Should HVAC Duct Insulation Cost?
Normal range: $1,000 - $2,700
The cost to insulate HVAC ductwork averages $2,500 for 1,000 square feet. You'll pay between $1,000 and $2,700 based on material and HVAC size.
You’ll pay an average of $2,500 to upgrade your insulation, but it can range from $1,000 to $2,700 for 1,000 square feet of ductwork insulation. Whether you’re seeking cool refuge on a hot summer day or a warm and cozy space when the weather gets cold, your home 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.
- Average
- $2,500
- Low end
- $750
- high end
- $6,000
Cost of Ductwork Insulation Near You
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 |
Duct Insulation Cost by Material
| 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
Duct Liner Insulation
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.
Spray Foam Insulation
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.
Duct Wrap Insulation
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.
Duct Board Insulation
Typically applied to the exterior of HVAC ducts, these 1-, 1 1/2-, 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.
Cost to Insulate Ductwork per Square Foot
The length or size of your ducts will determine how much material is needed. Ductwork insulation material is typically priced by the board foot, equal to one square foot of one-inch thick material. You will need multiple board feet of material per square foot.
Most local building codes are based on requirements set by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). According to the 2021 IECC, attic ducts greater than three inches in diameter require a minimum of three inches of insulation. As a general rule, plan on installing at least three inches of insulation to all HVAC ductwork throughout your home.
Below are the installation costs per square foot for each major type of duct insulation material:
| Insulation Type | Installation Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Duct Liner | $1.95 – $2.20 per sq. ft. |
| Spray Foam | $1.15 – $3.50 per sq. ft. |
| Duct Wrap | $2.25 – $2.50 per sq. ft. |
| Duct Board | $5.25 – $5.50 per sq. ft. |
HVAC Duct Insulation Cost Breakdown
Multiple factors contribute to the total cost of your ductwork installation, and every project is different. At a minimum, expect to see materials and labor included in your final cost.
Materials
The insulation material cost will depend on the material you choose. Material-only costs for the most common insulation materials are below, based on installing three inches per square foot.
| Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Duct liner | $1.70 |
| Spray foam | $1.94 |
| Duct wrap | $2 |
| Duct board | $5 |
Labor
The cost of ductwork insulation labor will vary depending on the type of insulation you choose, the thickness of the insulation and the location in your home where installation is being done. In general, expect to pay an additional $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot for labor alone.
Thickness
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 – $2.00 |
Cost to Insulate Ductwork Yourself
Ductwork insulation tends to be a messy and labor-intensive project that involves accessing hard-to-reach areas of your home. Careful research and preparation are needed to ensure that you’re adequately equipped.
You may wish to save time and energy by consulting with a professional insulation contractor in your area to get a project estimate. You should also remember that roof or attic insulation will require specialized equipment that typically only pros will have on hand.
If you are confident in your DIY abilities, you’ll save an average of $0.40 per square foot on labor. You can compare any professional estimates you receive to the cost of materials, tools, and equipment you’ll need to get the job done:
| Tool or Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Insulation material | $1.70 – $5 per square foot |
| Dust mask | $13 / pack |
| Hammer | $8 – $20 |
| Safety glasses | $2 – $20 |
| Straightedge ruler | $20 – $25 |
| Utility knife | $7 – $10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Insulating your ducts offers several compelling reasons:
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.
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.