You may not think of it as the most important part, but ductwork is responsible for distributing cooled or heated air from air conditioners to your building. There are a few different types that can be used in homes and commercial spaces; they each have their own advantages & disadvantages depending on what you need them to do- which means this decision should ultimately come down from an expert who knows how every aspect works best with other pieces within HVAC systems! Here at Las Vegas AC Repair, we will make sure you know the different types of ductwork and how HVAC professionals can install it to get you the best indoor air quality you can get.
What are the two main types of ductwork and what do they mean for your home
There are 2 main types of air ducts: flexible and rigid. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to know the differences before deciding which one is right for your needs. Here are some things to consider about each type:
Flexible ductwork is versatile and can be used in a variety of settings. It’s also relatively easy to install, which can save you money on installation costs. Flex ducts are commonly used with any HVAC system as they can be used anywhere in the residential or commercial space. However, flexible ductwork is not as durable as other types and may need to be replaced more often.
Rigid ductwork is more durable than flexible ductwork and is less likely to need replacement over time. Rigid ductwork is also more energy-efficient, as it doesn’t leak as much air. This type of ductwork is made of galvanized steel so it’s harder to cut through it. However, rigid ductwork can be more difficult to install and may require professional help.
Flexible Ducts
Flexible ducts are one of the most cost-effective types of ductwork to provide air circulation in tight spaces. They are sheet metal ducts that are covered with flexible but durable plastic, and they often encircle insulation which helps maintain the temperature at its optimal level for efficient performance… This type can easily be installed compared to other varieties because it bends around structures when needed – making this an excellent choice. Flexible ducts, on the other hand, are prone to kinks and bends, which can limit air flow and reduce the HVAC system’s efficiency which can cause air and heat loss. The ridges on the interior of the ducts might also cut down on airflow.
Another benefit of flexible ductwork is that it helps to improve air quality. Because the air duct is composed of plastic rather than the fiberglass that other rigid ductwork is made of, no fiberglass particles are released into the air, resulting in fewer air pollutants to breathe. This plastic is also mold and rust-resistant, ensuring that air quality remains pure for much longer. Flexible ductwork is less likely than rigid ducting to leak air from your HVAC system, but it is more subject to puncture.
Rigid Ducts
Rigid ductwork is the second type of ductwork. These metal air ducts are mostly made out of galvanized steel which makes the air and moisture barrier harder to cut into unlike flexible ducts with their flexible plastic which can be cut easily. Rigid ducts come in a variety of sizes and materials, and they can be rectangular or cylindrical in shape. Because the ducts are hard, there is no possibility of kinks or bends impeding airflow, and they cannot be torn or pierced like flexible ducts. Rigid ducts, on the other hand, are difficult to use in tight and awkward spaces. There are 3 main types of rigid ductwork that you can install in your residential or commercial buildings.
Sheet Metal Ducts:
Galvanized steel or aluminum are commonly used for sheet metal ductwork. Aluminum ducts are extremely light and simple to install. Sheet metal ducts, like flexible ductwork, are mold resistant due to their nonporous nature, allowing for superior air quality for a longer period of time. Because it keeps its shape and cannot be readily crushed, this type of ducting is the most durable. Sheet metal ducts, on the other hand, are more likely to leak where two pieces are linked.
Fiberglass Lined Ducts:
On the interior or outside of some sheet metal ducts, fiberglass is used to line the air ducts. This lining acts as insulation, keeping the air at the proper temperature, preventing condensation, and muffling the sound of the HVAC system. Fiberglass-lined ducts are common in office and commercial buildings because of their ability to attenuate sound. The biggest disadvantage of this type of air duct is that the fiberglass can disintegrate over time, releasing fibers into the air, which can cause health problems if inhaled for long periods of time. Cleaning fiberglass-lined ducts are more challenging due to the risk of damaging the lining and releasing more fiberglass particles into the air. Because of its porous surface, this form of ducting is more susceptible to mold, mildew, and germs than flexible ducts or sheet metal ducts. An HVAC professional should clean fiberglass-lined ducts to prevent the buildup of pollutants and the discharge of fiberglass particles.
Fiberboard Ducts:
Fiberboard ductwork is constructed and composed of compressed fiberglass fibers that have been sealed to keep the HVAC unit from putting particles into the air. A foil covering protects the outside of these boards, acting as an air and moisture barrier. Fiberboard ducts are excellent insulators and do not need to be insulated further. They are also the most affordable air ducts to install. Fiberboard ductwork, like fiberglass-lined ducts, is susceptible to harbor mold and mildew growth. In addition, the inside of fiberboard ducts is rough, so it makes the air duct have restrict airflow and lowers the efficiency of the HVAC system.
Choosing the right type of air duct for your needs
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which type of air duct is best for your needs. In this article, we explored the differences between all the air ducts in your air conditioning system and help you decide which one is right for your project!
Flexible ducting is perfect for projects that require a bit of flexibility, such as connecting to an existing duct system or going around obstacles. Flexible air ducts are cheaper than other types of ductwork since the flexible duct is made of plastic instead of the sheet metal duct or the fiberglass ducts.
Rigid ducting is best for projects that require precise measurements and a clean, finished look. It’s more expensive than flexible ducting as it’s made of various metals like galvanized steel. Since this sheet metal ductwork requires precise measurements it can be hard to install since it’s not as flexible as the other types of ductwork.
We hope this article helped you learn about the different types of ductwork and how to decide which one is best for your needs. If you have any questions or want help figuring out what type of ducting will work for your project, let us know! Our team would be happy to provide insight into the differences between the different types of ducts and help you choose the right type for your needs. Thank you for reading!
