Tape Plus

For flexible ducts or flex ducts to metal connections, I like to use regular aluminum foil duct tape, and my go-to is Tape Plus's HVAC Aluminum Duct Tape.

The reason why I prefer Tape Plus HVAC tape as my top choice is simple - the tape is super high-quality.

It has excellent adhesive power, but it doesn't latch on instantly due to medium-high tack, so I can easily readjust it if I misalign it initially.

It is 3.6 millimeters thick, so it conforms around corners and bends flawlessly.

Tape Plus is also a bit stretchy, giving me more freedom when working, especially if the crack is not in my direct line of sight.

Also, I don't need a squeegee for this one, as I can just use my hands.

This HVAC aluminum tape is water, mold, and temperature-resistant, just like the SF 686 mastic tape from Shurtape, and every other pick on my list.

Another major advantage for me is the variety of options and the price.

I have this one in all three sizes: 2, 3, and 4 inches - depending on what I'm working on, with the 2" tape definitely being the one primarily used.

As for pricing, it's extraordinary. You get 70 yards of tape for under $18, which is nearly 50% more product than the industry standard.

If you decide to get a 6-pack bundle, that turns into 420 yards for less than $70, which is just beyond remarkable.

The only "downside" is that this isn't a UL-listed foil tape, meaning that it hasn't been tested by Underwriters Laboratories for its effectiveness.

Shurtape SF 686

On more significant jobs, I like to use mastic tape.

Mastic tape like Shurtape 686 is a butyl rubber foil tape, which is a fancy way of saying it has a ton of adhesive and tack power and will stick to any surface immediately.

It has all the bells and whistles you want in a professional-grade HVAC tape like a UL 181B-FX listing, so you won’t ever have to worry about inspections.

It is 3 inches wide, which is more than enough to cover the corners and attachment points without any gaps.

I love that it is also mold and mildew-resistant, can be used indoors and outdoors, and can withstand temperatures anywhere from -20 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

I use SF 686 duct mastic tape for most metal-on-metal transitions, duct connections, and hard ducts to ensure a tight grip and an air-tight seal that will last decades without deteriorating, regardless of the temperature and the conditions.

I wouldn't use this one for a flexible air duct or in tight corners (I'd use my top choice, Tape Plus aluminum foil tape), mostly because this one's 17 millimeters thick and is a bit rigid, so it wouldn't fit right.

Also, use a squeegee with this one to ensure a tight grip and get that adhesive sticking to the entire surface.

I can see the price being a bit of an issue for some, but considering the application, you wouldn't need more than a few feet of Shurtape SF 686 per project, so I wouldn't stress about it.

PowerScale Aluminum Foil FSK Insulation Tape

The third HVAC duct tape in my tape arsenal is this FSK or Foil-Scrim-Kraft tape from PowerScale.

Now, Foil-Scrim-Kraft sounds like something scary if you’re new to HVAC or home repairs,  but it really isn’t - it’s just a way to describe the three layers that comprise the tape.

Those layers themselves are the "key" to why I use this particular tape to seal up the duct vent insulation or do some minor fixes and keep it in place.

Due to its 3-layer construction and material choices, PowerScale's FSK tape has brilliant strength and tear resistance, remarkable temperature resistance (especially when it comes to low temperatures), and every other notable metric that HVAC duct tape should have.

Of course, it will easily handle humidity and condensation (common with HVAC ducts).

And yes, it perfectly latches on to soft and uneven surfaces such as duct reflective insulation.

The only genuine downside of this FSK tape from PowerScale is its width. It is only 2 inches wide and doesn't have multiple options like Tape Plus does.

While 2" gives me more than enough coverage area when sealing duct insulation, I feel like 3 inches would give me more freedom or wiggle room when taping.

On a side note, I’ve also used this tape to do temporary repairs of piping leaks, and even seal seams and edges when I redid the roof on my house, so having this one in the toolbox might come in handy in various situations.

3M Aluminum Foil Tape 3340

Whether you need a vapor seal tape for duct closure or just a reliable tape to seal up the flexible and rigid ducts - 3M Aluminum Foil Tape 3340 is the right tape for the job.

3M Talc is a big player in the HVAC tape (or just tape) industry, and for a very good reason. Their products are top-of-the-line quality and performance-wise.

The 3340 is resistant to UV rays, moisture resistant, and sports industry-leading temperature resistance spanning from negative 40 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit.

It also has excellent adhesion power and medium tack and is 4 mm thick.

I actually spent a ton of time debating whether to put this or the Tape Plus tape as my favorite choice for aluminum foil tapes, but in the end, the price difference prevailed, and TP won. Other than that, these two are very much neck-and-neck.

In fact, 3M's 3340 foil tape for HVAC is UL-listed to seam, seal, and join both rigid and flexible ductwork, so if you end up working a commercial job where passing inspection is paramount - I'd go with 3340.

The only "bone" I have to pick with this one is the lack of width variety, but that's just my preference, and it doesn't affect performance in any meaningful way.

ETERART Aluminum Foil Duct Tape

At number 5, I have this fan-favorite aluminum foil metal tape that over 3000 people have bought off Amazon in the past month - probably by DIY enthusiasts.

I have used this one a few times, mostly because it is a convenient, easy-to-tear tape ideal for quick fixes before finding a more permanent solution, especially when it comes to insulation and pipe sealing.

It's also helpful in fixing nicks and tears and sealing ducts, as it is 3.9 mm thin and can bend and warp easily, unlike thicker foil.

It's a high-quality product, that's for sure, but there are just better options out there.

That said, I have even seen some people use this tape to insulate the piping to prevent mishaps during the winter.

Seeing how there are no official temperature resistance numbers from the company that I can reference,

I can only assume it can handle anywhere from 0 to 200 degrees, so I can see how it would be useful as insulation for piping.

My biggest issue with ETERART aluminum tape has to be the price.

While $10 is appealing to the eye, what many miss is that you're only getting 20 yards, putting its price-per-yard below only Shuretape's 686 mastic tape.

Also, there’s no UL listing, so code compliance could be an issue.

Related article: Complete HVAC preventative maintenance checklist

Can drywall tape be used for HVAC ducts?

Drywall tape cannot be used to seal HVAC ducts. It is not the right HVAC tape because it lacks the durability and temperature resistance needed to seal ducts and would peel off in days.

How long does HVAC tape last?

HVAC tape lifespan varies based on several factors, including environment and application, but properly applied tape should last upwards of 10 years.

Is HVAC tape the same as duct tape?

HVAC tape differs from duct tape. HVAC tape is designed for sealing and insulating air ducts and HVAC systems, is made from different materials, and utilizes different types of adhesives. In contrast, regular duct or electrical tape is used to insulate electrical wires.

Is HVAC tape the same as foil tape?

HVAC tape is not the same as foil tape, as foil tape or film tape is a type of HVAC tape that specifically features a foil backing for enhanced thermal conductivity and durability.