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Various Kinds Of Duct Systems You Should Know

Various Kinds of Duct Systems You Should Know

Every business building has an HVAC system with a vast duct network, which you should be aware of. The HVAC system can transfer hot and cold air to various parts of the building thanks to its ducts. However, you should be aware that there are several sorts of duct systems if you recently had a new business building built. You may better appreciate its significance and why you should always keep it in top condition by learning about them.

One method to maintain it is to get in touch with duct specialists. They can look for possible issues and take action before they get worse. Your technicians’ work can be accelerated and made simpler by installing duct access doors. You should also read some other incredibly helpful blogs if you want to learn more about the numerous issues that might occur in a commercial building.

Are the temperatures in your neighborhood fluctuating? Or do you feel that even though your air conditioner is running nonstop, nothing is being accomplished? If the above questions apply to you, your air ducts very certainly present a problem. Unfortunately, duct systems in residential buildings frequently receive insufficient attention, and the same is true of duct systems in commercial structures.

There are several obligations that come with home or business ownership. We already know that you’re busy enough and that you don’t often think about the ductwork in your building, but that’s okay! We created this blog in order to inform you of everything you need to know about your duct system. To find out more about them, continue reading.

Being Aware Of Your Ductwork

Various Kinds of Duct Systems You Should Know

To start, you must understand what a duct is. The heated or stale air in your home is removed by ducts, which are channels that distribute the cooled air from your air conditioner throughout your house. The same ducts used for central air conditioning can be used for heating and filtering systems. Even though ducts are one of the most important components of an HVAC system and play a vital role in keeping us warm or cold throughout the year, we often give them the least thought.

Air ducts are in charge of delivering warm or cooled air throughout the building’s rooms. The remainder of the HVAC system would be useless without air ducts. People can employ a variety of duct systems in either a residential or commercial structure. Even though thorough knowledge of every duct system available is not necessary, it would be beneficial to be familiar with these duct systems. It will undoubtedly be useful, particularly for maintaining the duct system in your house or commercial facility.

Duct System Types

Duct systems come in three different varieties. Specifically, flexible, rigid, and semi-rigid ducting. Each of these duct systems has information that we have gathered.

1. Flexible Ductwork

Various Kinds of Duct Systems You Should Know

These ducts are frequently tubular in shape, constructed of a wire coil wrapped with a flexible, strong plastic, and encased in insulation. Flexible ducting works best in difficult or awkward places when installation or usage of stiff ducts to connect non-flexible ductwork to an air supply outlet is not practicable.

Flexible duct systems have unique installation requirements, just like the majority of central air conditioning components. For instance, in order to prevent minor sagging or snaking, flexible ducting needs to be properly anchored and maintained. Additionally, bends, curves, and kinks need to be avoided as much as possible because they restrict airflow and undermine the performance of the air conditioning system. The use of flexible ducts has several benefits, including quick and simple installation and frequently lower costs than rigid ductwork.

2. Rigid Ductwork

The shapes of rigid duct systems can be cylindrical or rectangular and come in a variety of sizes and materials. These ducts are frequently insulated. They are widely used because they are robust, long-lasting, and trustworthy.

Various Kinds of Duct Systems You Should Know

Rigid duct systems come in three different categories:

  • Sheet Metal Ducts: If you enjoy watching action movies, you have probably seen sheet metal ducts. They are the ducts you see in movies when the main character frequently crawls through the air ducts. Galvanized steel and aluminum are the two most widely used materials for sheet metal ducts. Aluminum is very lightweight and simple to install. Due to their non-porous surfaces, these materials are also the least likely to contain harmful molds or growths.
  • Fiberglass Lined Ducts: Ducts with an internal fiberglass lining are what distinguish fiberglass lined ducts from sheet metal ducts, which are also known as ducts. Due to its ability to reduce noise from the air conditioner unit, this duct system is more prevalent in commercial and office buildings. Unfortunately, the fiberglass in these ducts is prone to deterioration and eventually releases fiberglass particles into the air, which can pose a serious health risk, particularly when exposed for an extended period of time. Additionally, cleaning fiberglass-lined ducts can be difficult because the process can harm the lining and release fibers. These ducts may potentially become contaminated by bacteria and mold.
  • Fiberboard Ducts: For moisture protection, fiberboard ducts are made of fiberglass strands that have been crushed and bound together with resin. Due to their excellent insulation, fiberboard ducts are appropriate for cooling and heating systems. But just with fiberglass-lined ducts, we don’t advise it when it comes to ventilation because they can turn into a haven for mold and mildew in humid regions. Additionally, they feature uneven surfaces that may hinder airflow and efficiency.

3. Semi-Rigid Ducts

Various Kinds of Duct Systems You Should Know

Semi-rigid ducting is regarded as the greatest type of ventilation ducting currently on the market, offering installers and providing certain advantages. Because it is a zero leakage ventilation system, superior quality semi-rigid ducting aids in the operation of a ventilation system at its peak performance. High-quality semi-rigid duct systems, on the other hand, also have high crushability values. A few semi-rigid ducting systems also give the installer flexibility by allowing them to swap between round and oval ducts without sacrificing hydraulic pressure or system efficiency. Numerous semi-rigid duct systems contain anti-static and anti-bacterial linings, making maintenance simpler.

Structured Ductwork

To guarantee that your comfort is not negatively impacted, your house or place of business must have efficient ductwork. Here are the qualities your duct system should have if you’re unsure of how efficiently it should operate.

  • No matter how much air is needed, ductwork should be able to supply the proper amount of cold or hot air.
  • To maximize airflow and keep outside air from entering any building space, ducts should have a suitable seal.
  • The pressure drop through the air handler must adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications, and ductwork needs to be the proper size.
  • To maintain a balanced household pressure, the duct system needs to have an airflow that is adequately balanced between supply and return.
  • The duct system also reduces temperature gains and losses in the air. The air handler, return, and supply register temperature variations must be kept under control for this reason. Temperature swings that are too high or too low will reduce air duct efficiency and raise your energy costs.

Maintenance Of Ducts

Various Kinds of Duct Systems You Should Know

Your duct system can deteriorate or sustain damage over time, just like any other system. Accidents can harm or deform the ducts, and over time, vibrations from the HVAC system can cause the joints and seals to become loose. The ducts may also become clogged with dust and other material. No matter what quality and type your duct system is, you might not get the most out of it without proper maintenance.

Why You Should Have Regular Maintenance For Your Duct System

Regular maintenance of your duct system is crucial for the reasons listed below.

  • Enhances Indoor Air Quality – Air filters are installed in almost all duct systems, but not all contaminants are successfully captured and collected by the filters. This is why it’s so important to routinely clean your ducts. Cleaning will boost airflow and improve indoor air quality, which will reduce contaminants entering your home through the ducting.
  • Reduction of Pollution for Better Health – Cleaning your ducts on a regular basis can quickly enhance indoor health and make the air you breathe clean with fewer toxins. Maintaining your air duct system will help you get rid of lots of pollutants and improve the air you breathe. Cleaning the ducts is crucial, especially for those who react to dust fast with allergies.
  • Maintaining Comfortable Temperatures – Your air ducts may suffer if your HVAC system is blocked and struggling to remove impurities. The real effectiveness of the air cooling or heating devices is also impacted. Common debris that obstructs and reduces airflow can be successfully removed if you keep your air ducts clean. If you clean your air ducts on a regular basis, your heating, cooling, and overall airflow will all be much more efficient. We strongly advise hiring qualified duct system cleaners if you want the work done well.
  • Reduces Operating Costs – When air ducts are regularly cleaned and maintained, your overall cooling and heating costs will be noticeably reduced. Your heating and cooling system will use less electricity as a result of the improved airflow. You won’t be spending as much money after your HVAC system is running properly and continually.

Summary

It’s always crucial to take care of your duct system while replacing the heating and cooling equipment in your residential or commercial structure. Because it is in charge of transporting air throughout the house or business, ductwork is crucial. The performance of the central unit is directly impacted by this function. You can make sure your HVAC system is operating properly as a whole if you take care of your ductwork at the same time as replacing the central unit.

Various Kinds Of Duct Systems You Should Know

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Written by HVAC Contributor

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