Yes, insulating ductwork in a crawl space is a worthwhile investment, especially if you live in a colder climate or run your air conditioning for most of the year. Uninsulated ducts can lose up to 30% of their heating and cooling efficiency, which can significantly impact your electricity bill. The project is a relatively small investment and typically only takes a few hours. It's a particularly simple add-on if you are already hiring someone to insulate the entire crawl space. An added benefit is that insulated ducts put off less hot or cold air, making them less attractive to pests.
We do not recommend fiberglass insulation for soundproofing purposes, especially if you are working on a room that’s part of your living space. Fiberglass insulation is dangerous, and the installation process is hazardous. It is also harmful to the environment. When there are so many newer, healthier non-fiberglass alternatives in the market, the lower cost of fiberglass insulation simply doesn’t justify the harm and danger it poses.
You can insulate an existing garage door. But while it’s a cost-effective option upfront, it may not perform as well as a garage door that comes with insulation. If you live in a colder climate—or if you plan on working in your garage and need a new door—you should purchase one with existing insulation for better efficiency.
Unless your cellulose insulation is wet, moldy, or showing signs of mildew or pests, there’s no need to remove it before adding new insulation on top of it. Inspect your insulation thoroughly before adding the new insulation, and if you’re unsure how to assess the presence of mold or mildew, talk to a mold remediation specialist near you.
Exposed ductwork can sweat just like ductwork placed behind walls, sometimes even more so. Ductwork sweats—like a cold drink on a hot day—because of a temperature imbalance between the air in the duct and the air in the room. In a crawl space or wall, this temperature can equalize faster due to the small space but in lofts and open rooms, that wouldn’t happen as quickly. Many people insulate their ducts for this reason.
The Ceresco, NE homeowners’ guide to insulation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of blown-in insulation costs varies depending on the type of insulation, labor, prep work, and more. Learn more about the cost factors in this guide.
How much does it cost to insulate a garage? Discover insulation options, prices, and expected and unexpected circumstances that affect the project cost.
Read our step-by-step guide and learn how to remove fiberglass insulation. Our instructions will help you remove this tricky material quickly and safely.
Removing old insulation may be necessary for upgrading your insulation. Keep reading to see if you should remove old insulation before adding new insulation.