Different Air Duct Design Types
Many homeowners are unaware of the various types of air duct designs available today. The different kinds of ductwork are used for different reasons and are typically sorted into two categories: flexible and rigid. The air duct design type that one should use depends on the type of home, business, or structure in which the ductwork is installed.
Why the Need for Different Types?
There are different types of air ductwork designs because there are various home and building designs and structures. What works for one home or building may not work for another. Some ductwork is smaller and more narrow, while others provide an adequate amount of space. Many old-fashioned homes still exist and require different ductwork designs than more modernized homes and buildings.
Additionally, some homes have a single central return vent while others have several. Duct materials and BTUs (British Thermal Unit) also matter. These factors weigh in on the type of air duct design needed. To best determine the type of air duct design a building or home needs, it’s best to consult a professional HVAC technician.
The Common Air Duct Design Types
As discussed previously, there are two primary air duct design categories: flexible and rigid. There is also a semi-rigid category, but it is less common than the other two. In these categories exist four main types of air duct designs: sheet metal air ducts, fiberglass lined air ducts, fiberboard air ducts, and flexible air ducts. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages and its own rules to where they are installed.
- Sheet Metal Air Ducts: Sheet metal air ducts fall into the rigid category and are the most common type of air duct design. These air ducts are made from galvanized steel or aluminum and come in various shapes such as round, rectangular, and spiral oval. These air ducts are typically durable and have a non-porous surface, lessening the risk of mold growth.
- Fiberglass-Lined Air Ducts: Fiberglass-lined air ducts are often implemented alongside sheet metal air ducts, but not always. When implemented with sheet metal, the fiberglass duct liner is lined either externally or internally to provide additional insulation, which helps retain heat and to prevent condensation. Fiberglass-lined air ducts also reduce the noise that HVAC systems make. Fiberglass is another rigid type of air duct.
- Fiberboard Air Ducts: Like sheet metal and fiberglass, fiberboard has a rigid air duct design. Fiberboard air ducts are the least expensive to install and provide both acoustic and thermal advantages. These air ducts are made with boards of compressed resin bonded to inorganic glass fibers.
- Flexible Air Ducts: Flexible air ducts are, unsurprisingly, in the flexible category. These ducts are made with a spring steel wire helix and are enclosed in a 2-ply polymer plastic. They are used in small or weirdly shaped spaces where other ducts cannot fit. These air ducts are also inexpensive and easy to install.
What Design is the Best?
While each type has its advantages and disadvantages, sheet metal air ducts are the most common air duct design recommended by professionals. These air ducts prevent mold and bacteria from multiplying inside the ducts, allowing for cleaner airflow.
Additionally, fiberglass air ducts are known to deteriorate and spread harmful compounds through the air over time, whereas metal sheet ducts do not have that problem. However, the type of air duct installed into a home or business will depend on the layout, materials, and BTUs. That said, people needing new air ducts installed should reach out to a qualified professional to determine the best types for them.
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