Which Ducting is Best for Your Home?

When it comes to choosing the right duct network for your home, there are a few different types of air ducts to consider. Sheet metal is most recommended, since this type of air duct is not porous in nature and, therefore, does not allow mold or bacteria to reproduce in the air ducts.

Sheet metal

ducts also help prevent potential health risks from fiberglass air ducts. As the name suggests, these ducts are not rigid like the other types.

They are made with a steel coil spring covered with thick plastic. Flexible ducting is cheaper and easier to install than rigid ducting. However, it is important to avoid punctures, kinks or sagging during installation, as they could impair the performance of the air conditioning system. The downside of this type of duct material is that, since they are relatively easy to install, all of the Dick and Harry think they can do the job. This can result in an inferior installation and a greater chance of air leaks, which can result in damage or reduce efficiency over time. Flexible ducts are usually round tubes made of steel wire propellers covered in flexible but durable plastic.

Most flexible ducting is also surrounded by insulation to keep the air at the right temperature. This type of air duct is the easiest to install and is the second least expensive. Flexible ducting is the best type of ducting for use in cramped or uncomfortable spaces where rigid ducting would be too difficult to install. Because these air ducts are flexible, they can bend around fixed structures to function in almost any space. However, flexible ducting is susceptible to bending and bending, which can restrict airflow and decrease the efficiency of the HVAC system.

Airflow can also be reduced somewhat by ridges on the inside of the ducts. Although flexible ducts are normally installed in a single continuous piece, a seam leak is possible when connected to rigid sheet metal ducts. Flexible ducting must be installed correctly and carefully to avoid restricting airflow. Improper installation of a flexible duct system that allows it to tear, sag, bend abruptly, bend and crimp can result in service problems and potential equipment failure. Galvanized steel, used as a duct material for most air treatment systems, is high-strength, durable, corrosion-resistant, widely available, easily changed to a new shape, and can be welded with similar materials. Round ducts are recommended for maximum air carrying capacity instead of rectangular ducts, and they have lower installation costs, which can result in substantial cost savings. Rectangular ducts are more flexible when it comes to fitting into limited spaces.

These ducts are resistant to moisture corrosion, but the basic cost per pound is higher than galvanized steel. The limiting characteristics of aluminum ducts include their low strength, cost of materials, thermal expansion, and weldability. In low-pressure systems, it is common to find fiberglass ducting. Sheet metal ducts often use fiberglass insulation that has a metal foil to act as a vapor barrier. This lining provides insulation to prevent condensation from forming.

Fiberglass ducts are insulated as part of their construction and their applications include underground duct systems. This type of rigid duct is constructed with fiberglass supports joined together by resin. The outer surface of the board is covered with aluminum foil, which acts as a barrier against air and moisture; the inner surface of the fiberboard in contact with the air flow is not as smooth as metal. Fiberboard ducts are often used for heating and cooling ducts, but are not recommended for ventilation ducts. An advantage of this type of duct is that fiberboard is inherently insulating. Fiberboard ducts are airtight, depending on the care taken when constructing the sections and when cutting and sealing the joints and seams.

An inadvertent crack in the bonded fiberglass over time can cause erosion of glass fibers, creating a durability problem and compromising the insulation value of the duct. If you choose sheet metal for your home's HVAC system, it's a good idea to have your ducts cleaned by a professional from time to time to maintain good indoor air quality. Some sheet metal ducts have an inner or outer fiberglass lining to insulate them from heat loss. The coating reduces the sound of the air conditioning system, making it a popular choice for offices and commercial buildings. With a sealed inner lining, fiberglass ducts will need intensive cleaning which can reduce durability. Fiberglass ducts can also be contaminated with mold and bacteria. Fiberboard ducting is often the most economical option for installation.

It is constructed with fiberglass threads bonded together with resin. The exterior has a foil that serves as a water retarder and air barrier. Strands texturize the interior which can trap dust and debris posing an indoor air quality problem. The rough surface can affect airflow and efficiency. The flexible type comprises a steel coil spring encapsulated in thick plastic.

They are lightweight, economical and easy to install. Their flexibility makes them ideal for installation in tight spaces that cannot accommodate rigid ducts. Flexible ducts have internal ribs that restrict airflow more than sheet metal ducts. Your home's HVAC system needs an efficient network that directs hot or cold air from your HVAC system to different parts of your home. Choosing between sheet metal or flexible options depends on materials, overall design needs such as heat retention or noise reduction needs as well as budget considerations. It's also important to choose a contractor that has experience installing different types of ducting.

This will ensure that your home's HVAC system is operating efficiently and safely for years to come.