Ductwork plays an important role in residential homes as it is responsible for distributing heated and cooled air throughout the house. Different types of ductwork can affect the performance, efficiency and comfort of a home’s HVAC system. Here are the different types of ductwork found in residential homes.
- Flexible Ducts: These are made of flexible material and are often used in tight spaces or areas where it is difficult to install traditional ducts. They are easy to install and can be shaped to fit the layout of a home, but are not as efficient as round or rectangular ducts and can also be prone to leaks and air loss.
- Round/Rectangular Metal Ducts: These are the most common type of ducts used in residential homes and are often used for air distribution systems. They are circular or rectangular in shape and made of metal material. They are often wrapped with insultaion to create a barrier for temperature regulation and to prevent condesation. Round and rectangular ducts are easy to install, cost-effective and efficient in terms of air flow.
- Round/Rectangular Internally Lined Metal Ducts: Similar to Round/Rectangular Metal Ducts, but includes an internally lined section of insultation. This interanl lining helps increase thermal resistance to temperature loss or gain throughout the duct work as well as offering noice reduction of air moving through the system. This type of duct work requires sealing after cleaning to help lock down fibers that were knocked loose during the cleaning process, and to prevent future growth particulate from accumilating inside the system.
- Duct Board Ducts: These are made of fiberglass or similar material and are often used in residential homes. They are soft, yet rigid, and can offer lower leakage rates and an overall reduced installation cost. These benefits are nice, and this type of duuct work is efficient in terms of air flow, but they are not as durable as metal ducts and can be prone to mold and mildew.
Different types of ductwork have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which type to use will depend on the specific needs and requirements of a home. It is important to choose a ductwork system that is efficient, cost-effective and fits the layout of a home to ensure maximum comfort and energy efficiency.