When it comes to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, the type of ductwork you choose can have a major impact on the efficiency and performance of your system. There are several different types of ducts available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Rectangular air ducts are often the best choice for low-pressure air conditioning systems in residential homes.
These ducts can be manufactured in a workshop or on a truck by contractors with a brake, but they are generally considered more difficult to install than round ducts.
Made of galvanized steel or aluminum, rigid sheet metal is the most common type of duct.The thick and solid wall makes the duct very durable. The interior is known to trap dust and other particles, but the smooth surface is generally easy to clean. So, if you use sheet metal in your home, it's a good idea to have your ducts professionally cleaned from time to time to maintain adequate air quality. Because of their non-porous surface, they are also the least likely to withstand mold growth. Flexible ducts are usually round tubes formed by steel wire propellers covered in flexible but durable plastic.
Most flexible ducts are also surrounded by insulation to keep the air at the temperature it should be. This type of air duct is the easiest to install and is the second least expensive. Flexible ducts are the best type of ducts to use in tight or uncomfortable spaces where rigid ducts would be too difficult to install. Because these air ducts are flexible, they can be folded around fixed structures to work in almost any space. However, flexible ducts are susceptible to kinks and kinks that can restrict air flow and decrease the efficiency of the air conditioning system.
Airflow can also be reduced a bit by the ridges inside the ducts. Wood-fiber ducts are made of resin combined with inorganic glass fibers that act as air barriers and water vapor retarders. In this way, its interior is perfectly sealed to prevent stale air from outside from entering the air stream. Flexible ducts are the most popular type of duct, as they are easy to install and economical. That explains why they are being used massively in homes.
They are usually made of spring, steel wire, propeller, and polymer plastic. Flexible ducts are best suited to bypass the main chamber of your HVAC system. They run throughout the building and carry air to the individual roof vents. Flexible ducts are available in a variety of materials that adjust to the shape of the building as needed, such as rubber, stainless steel, silicone and polyurethane. Like flexible ducts, sheet metal ducts are resistant to mildew due to their non-porous material, allowing for better air quality for longer. No matter the type of ducts in your building, the air conditioning system needs regular maintenance to function at its best.
Flexible ducts are less likely to leak air from the air conditioning system than rigid ducts, although they are more susceptible to perforation. Although expensive, metal ducts require very little maintenance and withstand extreme outdoor temperatures. The saying “out of sight, out of mind” couldn't be more true when it comes to a building's duct system. Ducts also play an important role in energy efficiency, because the more efficient your duct network is, the more energy you can save. George, Utah, can enjoy reduced energy bills with metal ducts, since the furnace and air conditioning unit won't have to work as hard to supply air to the entire building. When it comes down to it, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing a type of HVAC system for your home or business.
It's important to consider all factors before making a decision - cost, installation difficulty, maintenance requirements and energy efficiency - so that you can make an informed decision that will best suit your needs.
