What is the role of duct insulation in an HVAC system?

The role of duct insulation in an HVAC system is primarily to reduce heat loss or gain in the ducts. When air moves through the ductwork, it can either lose heat to the surrounding environment (in the case of warm air in cooler spaces) or gain heat (when cold air moves through ducts in warmer areas). Insulating the ducts helps maintain the temperature of the air inside them, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the heating or cooling system. This function is vital as it ensures that the conditioned air reaches its intended destination at the desired temperature, reducing the workload on the HVAC system and enhancing comfort levels in the conditioned spaces.

Duct insulation also contributes to overall energy savings, since less energy is required to heat or cool the air that is being delivered to the building. While noise reduction and air particle filtration are important aspects of HVAC system design, they are not the primary functions served by duct insulation.