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How Much Does Ductwork Insulation Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,000 - $2,700
The average ductwork insulation cost is $2,500, though most homeowners pay between $1,000 and $2,700 depending on the material.
How we get this data
Photo: Jessica Peterson / Tetra images / Getty Images
Photo: Jessica Peterson / Tetra images / Getty Images
The average ductwork insulation cost is about $2,500, though most homeowners spend between $1,000 and $2,700 on this project. Whether you’re seeking cool refuge on a hot summer day or a warm and cozy space when the weather gets cold, your ductwork 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.
Ductwork Insulation Cost by Material
| Insulation Material | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $1–$4 |
| Reflective coil | $4–$8 |
| Spray foam | $8–$13 |
| Foam or duct board | $6–$10 |
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:
Fiberglass
Fiberglass duct insulation costs $1 to $4 per square foot, making it the most affordable option. It’s known for its easy installation and flexibility, and its energy efficiency can also lower bills.
Reflective Coil
Reflective coil duct insulation costs $4 to $8 per square foot. It works by using reflective surfaces to reduce heat loss and boost your HVAC’s efficiency. It’s often installed outside of the ducts using spacers to create air space.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation costs $8 to $13 per square foot. 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.
Duct Board Insulation
Foam or duct board insulation costs $6 to $10 per square foot. Often applied to the exterior of HVAC ducts, these 1-, 1 ½-, or 2-inch thick boards are made from either fiberglass or mineral wool with an outer aluminum layer to seal out air and moisture.
Ductwork Insulation Cost by R-Value
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 |
Cost of Ductwork Insulation by Location
Photo: MyrKu / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
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 |
Insulating Ductwork Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Ductwork insulation tends to be a messy and labor-intensive project that involves accessing hard-to-reach areas of your home. Removing and reattaching any sections of ductwork may be necessary to complete the task. However, in most municipalities, only licensed HVAC technicians are allowed to do the work.
We recommend consulting with a professional insulation contractor in your area or a local duct installer to get an estimate instead of doing the project yourself.
Cost of Common Ductwork Add-Ons
While a technician is on-site insulating your home's ductwork, it's also a good time to consider having them tackle other HVAC-related tasks on your to-do list.
Duct sealing cost: $500 – $4,000
Duct cleaning cost: $270 – $500
Rerouting ducts cost: $1,500 – $9,000
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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