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HVAC Air Ducts: Types and Functions

hvac airducts

Air ducts are important parts of your HVAC system. They help move heated or cooled air around your home.

The ducts are an intricate network that is responsible for pushing the air through them. Thus, they maintain and regulate the comfortable temperature of your house. In this article, we will read about the different types of air ducts we can install, along with their functions.

What are the Various Types of Air Ducts?

We should choose the types of air duct systems to install by considering the types of HVAC fittings we own. Let’s read below about some major types of ducts available:

Flexible ducts

These ducts are suitable in complicated areas where rigid duct systems cannot be installed. Flexible ductworks are tube-shaped and made with insulated wired coils covered with durable plastic.

Semi-rigid ducts

Good-quality, semi-rigid ductworks allow ventilation systems to work efficiently as they provide zero leakage. Many semi-rigid ductworks also have antibacterial linings and also help to maintain hydraulic pressure loss.

Rigid ducts 

These types of ductwork are hard and durable and come in rectangular or cylindrical shapes. Three common types of rigid ducts exist:

  • Sheet metal ducts

Manufacturers typically make sheet metal ducts from aluminum and galvanized steel. They are incredibly easy to install as aluminum is exceptionally light-weight. One of the other benefits of these ducts is that they are mold-resistant because of their non-porous material. Sheet metal ducts are most durable because of their non-crushable nature but are not zero leakage proof.

  • Fiberglass lined ducts

Some sheet metal ducts are lined with fiberglass on either side to provide insulation. These ducts work well in commercial buildings. The fiberglass linings help reduce the noise from the HVAC units.

However, these ducts have a drawback. The cleaning process is extremely hard. They are also likely to get mold because they are spongy.

  • Fiberboard ducts 

Fiberboard ducts consist of two layers: the compressed, resin-bonded fiberglass laminated with a foil sheet. The laminated foil sheet protects the ducts from moisture.

These types of ducts are typically preferable for heating and cooling systems as they provide insulation. But experts do not recommend them for ventilation. They do not offer enough protection against mold and bacteria.

Parts of a Ductwork

Duct pipes and trunks

The primary function of duct pipes and trunks is to connect the ducts to the air handler for proper distribution of airflow. The duct trunk, which is the largest of the ductwork, remains at the core. Manufacturers make the pipes and trunks from galvanized steel.

Duct transitions

Duct transitions consist of turning vanes, unique connectors, take-offs, cleats, and angled fittings. The transitions play the role of linking between the duct pipes and trunks.

Plenum

Two plenums exist in the ductwork: the supply plenum and the return plenum. The plenum acts as an air reservoir inside the HVAC ductwork.

The supply plenum distributes the conditioned air throughout the room. The system then directs the stored air in this plenum into the return plenum. The return plenum exhausts the air through a flue or filter.

Flues

During the heating and cooling process, the flues generate toxic fumes, which are released outside through the ducts. These flues maintain safety and good air quality.

Refrigerant lines

The refrigerant lines carry the refrigerant to the compressor unit. The refrigerant is essential in proper regulation of the temperature in the ac unit. Air Handler Inside the ac air handler remain the ac blower fan and air filters. They enable proper airflow through the system.

Drain pans and lines

Drain pans are built to collect the moisture formed through condensation in the system. The drain lines drain away this moisture from your home. Thus, they eliminate the risk of rust and mold contamination inside the unit.

Functions of Air Ducts

Let’s delve into why air ducts are necessary components for our HVAC system:

Increased airflow: Air ducts improve the airflow of the system by distributing air throughout the home.

Increased energy efficiency: Good air conditioning ducts reduce energy and utility bills by making the unit perform smoothly and efficiently.

Better indoor air quality: Routine maintenance and cleaning of the air ducts can eliminate the risks of dust, debris, and other contaminants. Thus, they improve the health of indoor air.

More comfort: AC ducts help in keeping the desired comfortable temperature by even distribution of the cooled air.

Extended lifespan of the AC unit: Regular maintenance of the HVAC ducts can prevent damage to the air conditioners. This helps to extend the system’s lifespan.

How to Choose the Perfect Ductwork?

You need effective ductwork in your residence or workplace to ensure that your comfort remains unaffected. If you’re unsure about the workings of efficient ductwork, here are the key features to look for in your duct system.

  • The ductwork must deliver the right amount of cooled or heated air, regardless of the air needed.
  • The ducts should be sealed adequately to optimize airflow and prevent external air from infiltrating any part of the building.
  • Ductwork should be of the right size. The pressure drop across the air handler should meet the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • The duct system should maintain a balanced supply and return of airflow to ensure a stable pressure within the home.
  • Finally, the duct system reduces the increase and decrease of air temperature. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a balanced temperature difference between the air handler and the return and supply registers. Excessive or insufficient temperature variations will decrease the efficiency of the air duct and escalate your energy expenses.

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