RightAir Solutions is a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning services.
Duct insulation makes a noticeable difference in London homes and commercial buildings. With damp winters and humid summers, poorly insulated ductwork often leads to unnecessary energy loss, higher operational costs and uneven indoor temperatures. Mechanical ventilation and heating systems are forced to compensate for temperature fluctuations along the duct path. Quality insulation maintains steady thermal conditions, prevents internal condensation and supports good indoor air quality. Whether in a domestic terraced house or a commercial retrofit project, well-insulated duct systems reduce energy consumption and improve building performance.
London experiences shifting weather patterns throughout the year. Temperature swings and high moisture levels expose ductwork to surface condensation and airflow inconsistencies. Left uninsulated, this leads to damp issues and performance loss. Applying insulation to supply and extract ducts stabilises the airflow, maintains temperature delivery and improves room comfort.
When ductwork runs through unconditioned zones such as roof voids or plant rooms, significant heat loss occurs through the duct surface. This increases energy demand and drives up utility costs. Thermal insulation reduces surface heat exchange and preserves system efficiency, helping to lower running costs and improve the building’s energy performance certificate.
Modern regulations encourage better building fabric performance. Duct insulation contributes to Part L compliance and is recognised in SAP calculations for residential properties. It also improves thermal bridging values and supports U-value targets in the Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide.
To meet these requirements, view our duct lagging services for regulatory-approved solutions.
Pro Tip: Use Life Cycle Costing (LCC) to choose the most cost-effective insulation thickness instead of guessing based on basic material spec sheets.
EcoDuct is a pre-insulated duct solution often used in new builds and retrofits. Its closed-cell structure delivers consistent thermal resistance while remaining lightweight, low waste and recyclable. EcoDuct supports circular construction goals, reduces embodied carbon and can help deliver up to 45 percent operational energy savings. The material is suitable for tight plant areas and supports acoustic and thermal performance simultaneously.
Where fire compartmentation is required, insulation such as FireMaster duct wraps provide certified fire resistance without sacrificing thermal performance. These solutions are widely used in care homes, schools and multi-unit buildings, and meet UK passive fire protection standards.
In areas with acoustic requirements, mineral wool insulation minimises sound transfer through duct runs. Moisture-heavy environments benefit from closed-cell materials such as elastomeric rubber and polyethylene foam, which reduce condensation risks and prevent mould formation inside ducts.
Properly insulated ducts maintain intended airflow rates by limiting heat loss and internal turbulence. This ensures pressure loss is reduced and ventilation units operate closer to design specifications. It also reduces strain on fans and maintains air change rates in mechanical systems.
New guidance now supports using Life Cycle Costing (LCC) to determine the optimum insulation thickness for each application. This balances energy savings, material cost and installation complexity, especially in older properties where duct routes may be difficult to access.
For more information, see our HVAC insulation advice to help you choose the right material for each zone.
Adding duct insulation supports decarbonisation targets by reducing the energy demand from heating and cooling systems. This leads to improved EPC ratings, reduced emissions and lower operational carbon. It is also a measure supported under government-backed initiatives like ECO+ and Green Deal.
Pre-insulated duct systems such as EcoDuct contribute to circular economy goals by offering reusable components and reducing waste. These materials support low embodied carbon calculations and align with London’s building sustainability frameworks.
Property owners can access schemes like the Local Authority Delivery and ECO+ to help fund insulation retrofits. These programmes aim to improve energy performance in low-income and energy-inefficient homes, helping property managers meet compliance targets while lowering installation costs.
Improving duct insulation now helps properties remain compliant as efficiency requirements tighten. It supports readiness for future Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and improves building value for lettings or sale.
Pro Tip: Before insulating, conduct duct leakage testing to ensure airtightness—this improves both performance and savings significantly.
Most existing ducts in London homes are structurally intact but lack insulation. Retrofitting thermal wraps or lagging externally is often more cost-effective than replacing the system. This is especially useful in pre-2000 properties where systems are functional but thermally inefficient.
Adding duct leakage testing into retrofit assessments can identify inefficiencies beyond just thermal loss. Airtightness standards such as EN 16798-3 or EN 17192 can be used to classify and improve duct sealing performance before insulation is added.
Severely corroded or undersized ducts benefit more from replacement. Replacing the system allows for better routing, sealed joints, integrated controls and easier compliance with new standards. It also supports the installation of MVHR systems or central extract units.
Duct insulation delivers energy savings over time through reduced fuel use and lower maintenance demand. It stabilises room temperatures, improves occupant comfort and reduces system noise. Combined with air sealing and system balancing, it significantly increases overall HVAC performance.
Thermal and airflow modelling using tools like CFD simulations can further optimise duct route planning and insulation thickness. This helps engineers avoid over-specification and ensures airflow and heat retention are matched.
In a recent Southwark office project, RightAir Solutions upgraded duct insulation on five floors. The result was a 22 percent reduction in heating demand and better thermal consistency across all spaces. We are now applying these techniques to retrofit projects for housing associations in East London.
See more detail on our commercial HVAC upgrades and insulation improvement works.
MVHR systems depend on balanced heat exchange between supply and extract air. Without insulation, ducts lose thermal energy, reducing heat recovery rates and forcing systems to work harder. Thermal lagging supports efficient heat transfer and reduces energy waste.
Including insulation during early planning reduces rework and clashes on site. It allows for more compact duct layouts, cleaner penetrations through fire-rated walls and better integration with control systems. RightAir Solutions collaborates with design teams to specify appropriate materials for each part of the system.
Insulated ducts limit internal condensation, which helps control microbial growth and airborne contaminants. This is particularly important in hospitals, schools and care homes where indoor air quality is monitored closely. Insulation also contributes to quieter operation and reduced fan loads.
We inspect duct conditions, recommend suitable insulation based on thermal and regulatory needs, and handle compliant installation. From small upgrades to large-scale new developments, RightAir supports projects across Greater London with professional HVAC insulation solutions.
Learn more about our approach at RightAir Solutions.
What type of insulation is best for ducts in London homes?
Closed-cell materials such as polyethylene foam or elastomeric rubber are widely used for thermal and moisture control. For sound insulation, mineral wool is a strong option. Selection depends on access, use case and environmental conditions.
How much energy can duct insulation save each year?
Properly insulated ductwork can reduce heating and cooling energy use by 10 to 30 percent depending on system design, duct location and insulation quality. This results in lower energy bills and reduced carbon footprint.
Should insulation thickness vary based on location?
Yes. External ducts exposed to ambient temperatures may require thicker insulation compared to ducts inside heated zones. Life cycle cost analysis helps determine the most cost-effective thickness.
What is dynamic insulation and could it be applied to ducts?
Dynamic insulation allows air to flow through insulation materials, recovering heat as it passes. While primarily explored in walls and ceilings, future developments could extend its use to flexible HVAC duct applications in mild climates like London.
For engineers and designers working to recognised UK building standards, resources from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) offer essential guidance on ductwork design, insulation best practices and compliance frameworks.
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