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Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are responsible for providing thermal comfort in buildings – and maintaining the optimum temperature. 

HVAC insulation can be used in these systems across large-scale commercial and residential properties, including high-rise offices, apartments, airports, hospitals, warehouse and other industrial facilities, ensuring a comfortable living environment. 

Effective insulation is essential for maintaining the correct operating temperature for the different parts of a system – from piping to central heating and air conditioning insulation. As these properties use a lot of energy to create a comfortable climate, working as efficiently as possible is vital. 

Find out more about insulation for HVAC systems, and how ROCKWOOL solutions can improve the energy efficiency of your construction.  

Guide to BS 5422:2023

BS 5422 provides up-to-date specification guidance for the thermal insulation of HVAC applications in domestic, non-domestic and commercial buildings. 

This guide from ROCKWOOL helps specifiers to understand the changes in guidance noted in BS 5422:2023 to achieve economic and CO2 savings in building projects. 

The Guide to BS 5422:2023 also contains updated thickness tables to support specifiers in selecting the right insulation for HVAC systems.

To understand the full effect of these changes on official standards, download the guide for free today.

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Why do we need HVAC insulation?

Insulating HVAC systems improves efficiency, reduces carbon emissions and cuts operating costs. It helps keep indoor temperatures stable with minimum energy consumption – forming a comfortable living and working environment for occupants.  

In addition, heating and cooling systems in large buildings can increase indoor noise levels, so insulating services effectively can also improve the overall acoustic performance - reducing disturbance from unwanted nuisance noise. 

Specifying ROCKWOOL HVAC solutions manufactured from non-combustible stone wool results in reduced fire load in buildings offering additional assurance for fire safety and protection.

HVAC insulation is suitable for use in new buildings and renovations. In the UK it can ensure engineering companies, architects, contractors and installers remain compliant with the relevant building regulations and standards. 

 

Key benefits of ROCKWOOL applications include:

  • Improved energy efficiency 
  • Reduced noise pollution
  • Fire protection

Calculator and savings

Insulating the pipework to the standards set out in BS 5422 2009 reduces heat losses by up to 90%.1

Complying with UK standards (UK BS5422), the optimal insulation thickness is determined by the operating temperature of the HVAC unit, median temperature of the piping or duct, environmental conditions and any additional measurements (such as Legionella prevention or desired energy performance). 

Professional installers understand the impact of humidity and temperature, and can assess new or existing properties to advise on which insulation thickness should be applied.

Use our HVAC Calculator  to determine the most appropriate HVAC solutions to deliver the required thermal, acoustic and fire performance.

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The UK's current commitment to enhanced environmental targets across the construction sector will focus HVAC solutions to improved energy efficient solutions. ROCKWOOL HVAC solutions are not only designed to improve energy efficiency but incorporate benefits to improve comfort and wellbeing whilst keeping people, buildings and the environment safe for the future

Paul Barrett

ROCKWOOL UK
Head of Product Management

Case studies

 

The challenge

Aldgate Tower is a brand new, state-of-the-art office development, the first phase of a wider regeneration of the Aldgate area in London. This impressive 317,0000 sq.ft contemporary office block comprises 16 floors of Grade A revolutionary office space designed to achieve environmental efficiency as well as low running costs for operators.

The Aldgate Tower project required ROCKWOOL to meet a range of challenging product performance and service criteria.

 

The solution

Over 15,000 linear metres of RockLap H&V Pipe Sections, 5,000m2 of Ductwrap plus Fire Duct Systems were specified as a non-combustible HVAC insulation solution.

 

The results

Excellent communication and a coordinated approach ensured that all products were readily available. Thanks to the UK manufacturing operations of ROCKWOOL, and one of their distributors, SIG Technical Insulation, MEP Solutions and thermal insulation contractor Denco Thermal Ltd, were never short of product with 100% of all delivery targets being met.

Aldgate Tower
ROCKWOOL insulation is strong, but with a degree of flexibility which means it can be fitted neatly around pipework and ductwork without any gaps for optimum performance. It's an excellent, environmentally friendly product, which met all our criteria on this demanding project.

Paul Wittam

Project Manager at Murcury Engineering
To be updated
PDF
13.0 MB

HVAC Systems Guide

To be updated
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1.1 MB

HVAC Specification Guide

To be updated
PDF
1.2 MB

RockLap H&V Pipe Section Packaging Guide

To be updated
PDF
1.4 MB

Thickness of ROCKWOOL Insulation

Download our HVAC Systems Guide

Financial support

Check the Energy Savings Trust website to see whether there are any financial support schemes available for HVAC insulation.

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FAQs

What is HVAC?
Why insulate HVAC systems?
Should HVAC ducts be insulated?