Ductwork requires insulation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (EPA), 20% to 30% of the conditioned air that moves through a home is lost due to leaking or otherwise compromised ductwork. While most residential heating, ventilation and cooling systems (HVAC) use traditional insulation consisting of fiberglass or blown cellulose, some of them use an alternative type of insulation for the ductwork, such as duct liner or duct wrap.
What Is Duct Liner?
Duct liner is a special type of insulation that’s designed for use inside of an HVAC system’s ductwork. It typically consists of a semi-elastic foam material.
In HVAC systems with rigid ductwork, duct liner may be used as insulation. Duct liner is installed inside of rigid ductwork where it minimizes the loss of thermal energy and maximizes the HVAC system’s energy efficiency.
What Is Duct Wrap?
Duct wrap is a special type of insulation that’s designed for use over and around an HVAC system’s ductwork. Most duct wrap consists of rolls of insulation. Fiberglass is a common material from which duct wrap is made.
Duct wrap is used for the same purpose of insulating ductwork as duct liner. With little or no insulation, thermal energy will leak through the walls of the ductwork. Duct wrap is a type of insulation that “wraps” around ductwork.
Differences Between Duct Liner and Duct Wrap
Duct liner and duct wrap are insulation products for ductwork. Duct liner is designed for use inside of the ductwork. As the name suggests, duct liner “lines” the interior of the ductwork. Duct wrap is designed for use around the exterior of the ductwork.
Another difference between duct liner and duct wrap is that the former is typically used exclusively for rigid ductwork. Rigid ductwork consists of hard, rigid conduits. Most residential HVAC systems use flexible ductwork, whereas commercial HVAC systems may use flexible or rigid ductwork. Flexible ductwork consists of flexible conduits that can bend without breaking. While duct wrap can be used to insulate both types of ductwork, duct liner only works for rigid ductwork.
Duct wrap is easier to install than duct liner, especially for existing ductwork. Technicians can roll the duct wrap over the ductwork. In comparison, duct liner must be placed inside of the ductwork.
For a more energy-efficient HVAC system, you should evaluate your ductwork’s insulation. If it’s poorly insulated, you’ll pay more to heat and cool your home. Ensuring that the ductwork is properly insulated, though, will have the opposite effect by lowering your heating and cooling expenses.
