Different Types of Duct Systems

You should know that every commercial building has an HVAC system that has an extensive network of ducts. Those ducts enable the HVAC system to distribute hot and cold air into different areas within the building. However, if you recently had a new commercial building constructed, you need to know that there are different types of duct systems. Knowing about them can help you understand its importance and why you should keep it in top condition at all times.

One way of keeping it maintained is by contacting duct technicians. They can look for possible issues and resolve them before they get worse. You can make your technicians do their job faster and easier by installing duct access doors. If you don’t have enough knowledge about the product, you can contact us by visiting here. You should also check out our other highly informative blogs if you want to learn more about the different issues that could happen in a commercial building.

Are you experiencing inconsistent temperatures around your home? Or do you feel like your air conditioning system is continuously running, but don't feel like it's doing the job at all? If your answers to the questions are yes, you will most likely have issues with your air ducts. Unfortunately, duct systems in homes usually don't get enough attention, and the same rings true when it comes to duct systems of commercial buildings.

Owning a home or business comes with a load of responsibilities. We already know that you have enough things on your mind and that your building's ductwork system rarely crosses your mind, but that's all good! That's why we made this blog to give you everything that you should know about your duct system. Read on to learn more about what they are.

Knowing Your Ductwork

First, you need to know what a duct is. Ducts are channels that carry cooled air from the air conditioning unit throughout your home and are responsible for removing warm or stale air. Ducts that are for central air conditioning can also function for filtering and heating systems. When it comes to an HVAC system, we tend to think the least about ducts, even if it's one of the essential parts that serve a huge function in making our lives comfortable, whether cold or warm.

Air ducts are responsible for distributing cooled or heated air throughout the rooms in the building. Without air ducts, the rest of the HVAC system would have no use. There are a few different duct systems that people can use either in a residential or commercial building. While it is not required to know everything about all duct systems in the market, it would help if you know these duct systems. It will surely help, especially when the maintenance of the duct system that your home or commercial building has. 

Types of Duct Systems

There are three types of duct systems. Namely, flexible ductwork, rigid ductwork, and semi-rigid ductwork. We've compiled information on each of these duct systems. 

1. Flexible Ductwork

These ducts are typically tube-shaped and made of a wire coil covered with a bendable, durable plastic, and surrounded by insulation. Flexible ducting is best in complicated and tricky spaces where it is impossible to install or use rigid ducts to attach non-flexible ductwork to an air supply outlet.

Like most of the central air-conditioning parts, flexible duct systems have specific installation requirements. For instance, flexible ductwork needs to be secured and supported correctly to eliminate little sagging or snaking. Bends turns and kinks also need to be minimized because these reduce airflow and hamper the air conditioning system's efficiency and effectiveness. The advantages of using flexible ducts include quick and easy installation, and often cost less than the rigid ductwork.

2. Rigid Ductwork

Rigid duct systems come in a variety of materials and sizes and can be either rectangular or cylindrical. Often, these ducts are insulated. They are popularly in use because they are hardy, enduring, and reliable. 

For rigid duct systems, there are three common types:

• Sheet metal ducts - If you like watching action movies, you most probably have seen sheet metal ducts. They are the ducts you see in films that usually have the main hero crawling through the air ducts. The most common materials for sheet metal ducts are galvanized-steel and aluminum. Aluminum is relatively light and relatively easy to install. These materials are also the least likely to harbor dangerous molds or growths because of their non-porous surfaces. 
• Fiberglass lined ducts - Fiberglass lined ducts are also sheet metal ducts, but they differ in one thing: they have internal fiberglass lining. This duct system is more common in office and commercial buildings, as it helps dampen the air conditioner unit's sound. Unfortunately, the fiberglass in these ducts is susceptible to deterioration and eventually releases fiberglass particles into the air, which can be a significant health concern, especially with long-term exposure. Moreover, fiberglass lined ducts are also challenging to clean for the same reason that the cleaning process can damage the lining and release fibers. Molds and bacteria can also contaminate these ducts.
• Fiberboard ducts - Fiberboard ducts are composed of fiberglass strands compressed and bonded with resin and covered with a foil laminate sheet for moisture protection. Fiberboard ducts are suitable for cooling and heating systems because they are well insulated. However, we don't recommend it when it comes to ventilation because they can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew in humid climates, just like fiberglass-lined ducts. They also have rough surfaces that can affect airflow and efficiency.

3. Semi-Rigid Ducts

Viewed as the best type of ventilation ducting available, semi-rigid ducting offers installers and gives some benefits. An excellent quality semi-rigid ducting helps a ventilation system operate at its optimal performance because it is a zero leakage ventilation system. On the other hand, high-quality semi-rigid duct systems also have high crushability levels. Additionally, some semi-rigid ducting systems offer the installer versatility by switching between round and oval ducting without losing any hydraulic pressure loss or system performance. It is also easier to maintain because many semi-rigid duct systems have anti-bacterial and anti-static linings.

Efficient Ductwork

Your home or office must have efficient ductwork to ensure that your comfort is not compromised negatively. If you have no idea how efficient ductwork should function, here are the objectives that you should look for in your duct system.

• Ductwork should be able to provide the right amount of cold or heated air, regardless of the required amount of air.
• Ducts should have a proper seal to maximize airflow and prevent outside air from entering any building area.

• Ductwork should be correctly-sized-- the pressure drop across the air handler must comply with the manufacturer specifications.
• The duct system should have a properly balanced supply and return of airflow to keep a balanced household pressure.
• Lastly, the duct system minimizes air temperature gains and losses. That's why it is crucial to keep temperature discrepancies between the air handler and return and supply registers under control. Too high or too low-temperature variances will lower air duct efficiency and increase your energy bills

Duct Maintenance

Like any system, your duct system can degrade or become damaged as time passes. The joints and seals can become loose, vibrations from the HVAC system can dislodge ductwork over time, accidents can damage or deform the ducts. Also, dust and other debris can enter into the ducts. No matter what quality and type your duct system is, you may not get the most out of your duct system without regular maintenance.

Why You Should Have Regular Maintenance For Your Duct System

Regular maintenance of your duct system is vital because of the following reasons:

• Improves Indoor Air Quality - Almost every duct system uses air filters, but not all contaminants are effectively caught and collected by the filters. TIt is why it is vital to clean your ducts regularly. Cleaning will improve indoor air quality and increase airflow, resulting in reducing contaminants via the ducting from contaminating your indoor environment.

• Reduces Pollution for Better Health - Regularly cleaning your ducts can quickly improve indoor health and make the air you breathe fresh with fewer contaminants. If you tend your air duct system, you will get rid of plenty of pollutants and promote better air quality. Cleaning the ducts is essential, especially for people who get allergies quickly from dust.

• Maintaining Comfortable Temperatures - When your HVAC system is clogged up and trying to contend with contaminants, your air ducts can be affected. The actual performance of the heating or air cooling mechanisms is also affected. If you maintain a clean air duct, you can effectively remove common debris that blocks and decreases airflow.

You will also be able to get far more efficient heating and air conditioning and overall airflow if you regularly clean your air ducts. If you want this job done correctly, we highly consider hiring professional duct system cleaners.

• Reduces Running Costs - You will have a noticeable reduction in your overall air conditioning and heating costs when air ducts are regularly cleaned and maintained. Because of the improved airflow, your heating and cooling system will be consuming less electrical energy. When your HVAC system unit is functioning correctly and continuously, you won't be spending a lot of money anymore.

Wrapping Up Thoughts!

When you are replacing your residential or commercial building's heating and cooling unit, it's always critical to also address your duct system. Ductwork is essential because it is responsible for distributing air throughout the home or office. This function directly impacts the central unit's performance. If you address your ductwork in unison with the central unit replacement, you can ensure your HVAC system's proper functioning as a whole unit.

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