Ducts are the passages that transport gases or fluids. The flow may be horizontal, vertical, or at any angle between. For example, in HVAC systems of homes and commercial buildings, ducts are used to transport air to outdoor air conditioners or furnaces. In heating ventilation and air-conditioning systems, they transport warm and cold air inside the building.
Ducts are the hidden heroes in our lives. They allow us to pass air around the house and make it possible for us to use the ducts as a part of ventilation in our home. It is not a mistake that they are referred to as vents. They actually serve no function of passing hot air or cold air but allow you to use vents strategically inside your house to make sure there is proper ventilation.
Types of Ducts
Ducts are classified into different types due to the different materials used to make these conduits, tubes or pipes serve as ducts.
- Galvanized Steel Air Ducts: There are many materials that can be used to fabricate ductwork; galvanized mild steel is the most common. That is because zinc is an excellent rust inhibitor, and not a lot of additional work will be needed to keep your ductwork looking good. Using mild steel for the metal ducts is affordable and long-lasting because of two key factors – the metal’s flexibility and the fact that when proper care is maintained, zinc can provide protection from corrosion for a long time.
- Aluminium Air Ducts: Aluminium is a very soft and lightweight metal with high yield strength. For this reason, it is easiest to bend or form the aluminium ductwork by hand. By combining aluminum ductwork with special joints and fittings, any desired shape or size can be custom fabricated on-site or in a shop. The galvanized and aluminium air ducts are considered to be sheet metal ducts commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings. Other types of sheet metal ducts are also available in the market, like polyurethane air ducts.
- Flexible Ducts: Flexible duct or Flex is a type of duct used mostly for return air, as it has a high-pressure loss (in comparison to other types of ducts). It consists of one or multiple long flexible plastic tubes, usually with metal wire within the plastic. Holes are cut along the length of each tube so outlets can be easily connected. The size can range from 6″ to 96″ (15 to 2,400 mm), and the size and number of the tubes used are based on the project requirements and local codes.
- Fiberboard Air Ducts: Fiberglass duct board is used for venting various systems in buildings and structures where low sound transmission and high-temperature resistance are required. It is suitable for venting exhaust systems and is commonly used in commercial, industrial, and institutional applications.
There are many other types available in the market for you to use in your home or commercial buildings according to your budget, building design and the location where your building is situated. So before making any choice do take the expert advice.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, duct play an important role in keeping our house environment comfortable. A well-designed and -operated duct system installed in your home is essential for providing comfort, managing airflow, and maintaining quality indoor environmental conditions. Indoor good air quality is not only essential for your and your family’s health but also helps you to use every square foot of your house space at its utmost. On the other hand, stale air inside your home can cause huge damage to your house’s functionality as well as to your health.
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