{"id":924,"date":"2022-10-24T05:20:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-24T09:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/temp.local\/?p=924"},"modified":"2023-04-24T21:33:56","modified_gmt":"2023-04-25T01:33:56","slug":"should-you-insulate-range-hood-ducts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rangehoodhomeland.com\/installation-configuration\/should-you-insulate-range-hood-ducts\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Insulate Your Range Hood Ductwork? (Answered)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are installing a ventilation range hood, you might wonder if you should insulate your ducts<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will cover what a range hood duct is, whether it should be insulated, and how to insulate your range hood duct to get the most out of your kitchen ventilation system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes. You should insulate your ductwork.<\/a> While it’s not required, however, it is recommended because ducts that leak hot air into unheated regions can add hundreds of dollars to your heating and cooling expenses, and can help keep noise levels down. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you insulate your vent hood ducts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes. You can insulate your ductwork. It’s not required, however, it is recommended because ducts that leak hot air into unheated regions can add hundreds of dollars to your heating and cooling expenses, and can help keep noise levels down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advantages of Insulating your range hood ductwork<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many advantages of using insulaed range hood ductwork. One such benefit is a quite kitchen. Insulated ducts absorb more sound, making them great for the home. They also keep hot vent ai in the vents during summer, saving you mney on energy costs. Insulated range hood ducts also help prevent condensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What insulation should I use?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The US Department of Energy recommends rigid fiberboard insulation for ductwork insulation. Insulation should be installed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Before insulating, however, seal all ductwork openings; insulating ductwork with unsealed openings is, at best, futile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

R-6.5 to R-6.8 is the highest R-value for rigid fiberboard duct insulation, which is made of polyisocyanurate foam (polyiso for short). This type of insulation features two layers of reflective foil, a foil vapor barrier on the back, and a white foil finish on the front. R-values for rigid polystyrene (XPS) foam insulation are approximately R-5, while expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam insulation is approximately R-3.8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of duct tape, use mastic sealant or metal tape. Duct tape does not form an effective seal and degrades rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Can I use an insulated flexible duct for a range hood?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the IRC, ductwork must be made of galvanized steel, stainless steel, or copper to comply with the regulations. Its interior must be smooth and airtight, and it must be watertight. Because of this, you should avoid using a flexible duct for range hood vents, especially flimsy, flexible plastic ducts. A rigid ducting such as this will be more appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want even more tips, check out this video called HVAC 101 Insulating round ductwork | Duct install methods (wrapping duct) from the AGL Mechanical Tips YouTube Channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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