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What Duct Insulation to Use in My Crawl Space for Heat & AC in My Home

Duct insulation is a simple way to save money on heating and cooling. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, uninsulated homes lose between 10 percent to 30 percent of the energy used by heaters and air conditioners. Well insulated ducts resist the flow of heat in areas like crawl spaces. Heat naturally moves from warmer areas to cooler areas, and insulation slows this transfer of heat with the fibers inside the insulation. Materials used in insulation are fiberglass, foam and cellulose from old newspapers, and the U.S. Department of Energy recommends specific types of insulation depending on where you live.

Things You'll Need

  • Safety goggles, gloves and face mask
  • Metal measuring tape
  • Fiberglass batt insulation in blankets
  • Utility knife
  • Staple gun with staples
  • Spray foam insulation
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Instructions

    • 1
      Fiberglass batt insulation can be installed by hand.

      Leave the crawl space alone if you live in a warm climate such as southern Florida or southern, inland California. A crawl space can be left without duct insulation in areas where heating is rarely used.

    • 2

      Wear safety goggles, gloves and a face mask when handling fiberglass batt insulation for warm to moderate climate areas, such as Virginia, Arizona and New Mexico. Measure the area of the crawl space using a metal measuring tape. Cut the fiberglass batt insulation to the size you need using a utility knife.

    • 3

      Cut vertical slits approximately 12 inches long and 6 inches apart over each piece. This allows the insulation to fit around pipes or wiring. Staple the insulation to wooden studs using a staple gun. Place staples evenly spaced and 3 inches apart.

    • 4

      Shoot your nozzle at the ceiling of your crawl space with spray foam insulation, which is well suited for colder climates, such as New England. These come in tanks with a nozzle for easy application. The material expands 100 times, so use it conservatively.

    • 5

      Spray the insulation evenly between the studs and across exterior sheathing. Allow it to expand completely. Saw off any areas that extend past studs. This type of insulation creates an airtight seal better than fiberglass batt insulation.