What Are the Different HVAC Duct Types?
The HVAC systems found in our surrounding consists of different complex and essential parts, including air ducts that play a crucial role in giving out warm or cool air to the atmosphere. The prominent materials utilized for making metal air ducts are strong aluminum or galvanized steel, due to high ventilation capacity and immense durability.
Their smooth non-porous nature means that they are less likely to develop any hazardous mold or allergen growth. The smooth surface also makes it easy for installation. However, you must take extra precaution in installing them because some sorts are easily scratched or dented. It is highly essential to keep them away from any sharp objects like nails and screws. If they do get damaged, they might get leaked and lead to serious health hazards.
Various sheet metal ducts available are created using unique ways. You may find numerous ventilation ducts available in the market. There are some permanent fixtures fixed upon the concrete wall, and other detachable ones that are mobile and can be taken around your house. You must select the one in perfect shape and size fitting your requirements, budget, and current home decor.
Carefully choose the duct suitable for the system in your premises and the space you have available for it. If you want a flexible duct to move around the space, then choose an insulated duct.
You can opt for a single-ended, double-ended, or multi-ended duct. In a single-ended duct, the air is drawn out from one outlet and drawn into another. In a double-ended duct, two outlets are connected together to create one outlet, while in the multi-ended type, the duct is connected to two outlets to ensure that the air is drawn from both outlets simultaneously.
These days, insulated ducts are preferred by many. The insulation will stop the accumulation of dust and mildew in the inner duct area, which can cause certain allergy symptoms in some who are sensitive or suffering from some allergies. Also, for anyone suffering from some sort of allergies to pollen and dust mites, then duct can be an ideal choice to make.
The air duct types used in office structures or homes differ based on their functionality and features offered. However, these types possess specific benefits and certain drawbacks.
HVAC DUCTS TYPES
Following are the two major HVAC duct:
FLEXIBLE DUCTWORK
These are ordinarily round-shaped cylinders comprising steel wire helixes canvassed in adaptable however strong plastic. Flexible ductworks are likewise surrounded by a protection layer to efficiently control the atmospheric air quality.
This AC duct is comparatively simple to introduce, and available at cheap prices. Adaptable ventilation work is optimal and available in close or abnormal areas where unbending ventilation work is hard to even consider installation. Since flexible ducts have an adaptable nature, they easily twist across the fixed structures and enable functioning practically anywhere and everywhere.
These ductworks have also proven to be highly efficient in enhancing air quality. Since these AC ducts comprise of plastic rather than fiberglass this allows for certain inflexible channels. The air is purified of harmful particles or dust which means less air pollution inside the room and improvement in the indoor air quality. This plastic is additionally impervious to form and rust, which ensures the air is purified for a long period. Comparatively, flexible ductwork is low on-air spill out of the HVAC framework, despite it being low on penetration.
Apart from its pros, it does have its drawback. It is defenseless to wrinkles and curves, capable of confining wind current and lowering the HVAC framework's proficiency. Wind current can likewise be fairly decreased by the channel's edges.
RIGID DUCTWORK
These ductworks are available in various sizes, shapes such as rectangular or tube-shaped and produced using various materials. Since these types are unbendable, they don't get wrinkles or curves limiting wind stream and, in contrast to the flexible ones, they cannot be torn or penetrated.
Nonetheless, rigid ductwork has its limitation in terms of risky spaces that are tackled in various ways.
FIBERGLASS LINED DUCTS
In this type, there will be a fiberglass lining either over the inner or on the outer surface area. This coating gives protection and helps control the cooling or warmth of the air released out of the HVAC system. It can also forestall the development of mold buildup and stifle any excess noise of unusual sound produced by it.
These ducts have a major drawback that over the years the fiberglass may disintegrate and spread into the atmosphere. This can be highly dangerous to health as inhaling fiberglass substances can lead to various medical problems.
It is also hard to clean these fiberglass lined pipes, as this can potentially harm the covering and also give out fiberglass particles that are capable of creating respiratory illnesses. These ventilation works are additionally inclined to obstruct microbes and mold buildup than adaptable sheet metal conduits due to their permeable surface. That is why ac duct cleaning in Dubai is not easy and only skilled technicians from a reputable company are capable of executing it effectively.
HVAC experts and professionals are skilled in fiberglass-lined conduits cleaning process. They use efficient methods and equipment to forestall the development of pollutants and you will be safe from inhaling tiny invisible fiberglass particles.
SHEET METAL DUCTS
Aluminum is the widely found metal type when it comes to sheet metal ducts. Their unique characteristics such as the lightweight and simple process involved in fitting them make them a widely preferred type. Like adaptable ventilation work, sheet metal channels are shaped safe as they comprise a nonporous material, which can consistently offer high air quality for a longer period.
This ventilation work is toughest due to its firm shape that makes it really tough to squash. Notwithstanding, sheet metal pipes may often encounter spills in areas that consist of joints.
FIBERBOARD DUCTS
Fiberboard types comprise of compacted fiberglass strands fixed together to avoid deterioration and release of tiny particles into the atmosphere.
These duct types comprise a protective outer layer of foil that offers efficient protection from dampness and air. This ductwork is widely favored due to its affordable prices and high-quality. Similar to fiberglass-lined conduits, fiberboard ducts fail in terms of obstructing the buildup of allergens and harmful bacteria.
Additionally, the fiberboard ductwork's interior part makes it liable to increase wind friction thus reducing your HVAC system's performance.
CONCLUSION
Before installing the HVAC system alongside the ductwork, the space available for the unit and the ducts should be properly measured.
You also need to figure out the best installation technique, which will suit your house and help achieve optimum performance.
In case of improper installation of the duct by a non-professional, it will definitely lead to further problems. It is always advisable to hire a professional installer to install it. As the system is complex, installing it by your own is not an option.
Mainly, the system should be carefully chosen. Various systems are designed to offer varied features such as for ventilation of a particular room and/or dynamic space.