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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.

A moisture or vapor barrier helps separate the warm air inside your home from the cold air outside of it. Without it, your walls could collect condensation, mold, or other damage. Check your local building codes to see if including an interior vapor barrier is necessary for your building project or renovation, especially for rooms that are likely to be humid, like bathrooms.

Ductwork should be wrapped in insulation in certain locations. This includes unconditioned interior parts of the home, such as attics, crawl spaces, basement ceilings, and between floors. Duct joints should also be insulated since they're more likely to leak air than other parts of your system. Building codes in some areas also require ductwork to be insulated.

Mineral wool wraps are the most affordable and effective insulation for crawl space ducts. They are easy to cut, last for a long time, and healthier for humans. Meanwhile, fiberglass wraps are cheaper but more hazardous and difficult to handle. If you do choose to use a fiberglass wrap, make sure you are wearing long sleeves and wear proper protective gear.