If you’re like most homeowners, you take your home’s air distribution system for granted. As long as the ductwork is delivering conditioned air where it’s supposed to go, why worry? Yet, the type of ducts installed in your home, as well as the way the network is designed, can have an appreciable effect on energy efficiency and heating and cooling performance. Learn about the different types of ducts.
Flexible Ductwork
This relatively common type of ductwork is usually shaped like a tube, and constructed of a wire coil with a cover of pliable, durable plastic, with another covering of insulation. Flexible ducts are useful for situations where rigid ducts aren’t practical or possible. Short sections of flexible ductwork also can be used to connect rigid ducts to the HVAC equipment. During installation, flexible ducts should be properly secured to minimize sagging or bending. As much as possible, avoid sharp bends or kinks, since they impair airflow and create a greater possibility of breakage.
Rigid Ductwork
Also very common, rigid ducts come in different materials and size, and can either be tube-shaped or rectangular. Frequently, rigid ducts are covered in insulation. Rigid ducts can be made of sheet metal, either aluminum or galvanized steel. With non-porous surfaces, these ducts aren’t likely to harbor mold or bacteria. Sheet-metal ducts also may be lined with fiberglass, either internally or externally, which serves to muffle the sound of airflow. These ducts may eventually pose a health risk as the fiberglass deteriorates and releases particles into household air. They are also relatively difficult to clean.
Fiberboard Ductwork
This type is constructed from fiberglass strands compressed and sealed with a resin, then wrapped in foil laminate to provide protection against moisture. To some extent, fiberboard ducts have intrinsic insulating qualities, though they can attract mold and mildew in muggy climates. With their rough surface, they can impede airflow as well.
Talk to your trusted HVAC contractor about your options with quality ductwork. To discuss the best ways to heat and cool your Dayton-Springfield area home, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Mathias Rosenthal/Shutterstock”
