Choosing The Right Type Of Ductwork For Your Air Conditioner Installation | Katy, TX
If the compressor is the heart of your air conditioner, then the air ducts can be compared to the veins that carry blood (air) to different parts of your body (home). Hence, the air ducts are as important. Whether you plan a replacement or have a new air conditioner installation at your Katy, TX, home, you should ensure that you choose quality air ducts. Installing air ducts is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process which makes it expensive. Hence, you don’t want to keep replacing them after every 5 years because you didn’t choose the right quality duct system. So, what are the types of ductwork available? Some homeowners understand the basics of air ducts that carry air from the air conditioner to different sections of their homes. Below are the main types of air ducts you can use during a ducting replacement.
Rigid Ductwork
Most modern Katy, TX, homes have at least some stiff ducting. This kind of ducting comes in various sizes and shapes and can be made for special installations. Inside and out, rigid ductwork has a smooth surface. This makes cleaning simple and prevents mold from growing on the surface. Although strong and somewhat puncture-proof, the air conditioner installation technician will find installing these air ducts in confined or tight spaces challenging. There are 3 main types of rigid air ducts:
Galvanized Steel
Air ducts made from galvanized steel are suitable for sustainable buildings. They are made from recycled materials, and their rigidity makes them relatively easy to clean. Sheet metal used for making these ducts has several other advantages: it is non-combustible, sturdy, and non-porous. The non-porosity is the property that makes them restrict mold growth. The galvanized steel material used for making air ducts for most air handlers is durable, high strength, widely available, and rust-resistant. They also can be easily forged into new shapes. Hence, if you want durable air ducts for your AC, talk to your air conditioner installation technician about using galvanized steel air ducts. Unfortunately, they may leak air when two sections join or two seams meet.
Aluminum
Aluminum ductworks are lightweight and easy to install. They are primarily used for cleanroom applications. However, they are also corrosion resistant but cost more per pound than galvanized steel. However, aluminum air ducts have low strength, are prone to thermal expansion, and aren’t easily weldable.
Fiberboard Ductwork
Fiberboard air ducts are constructed from fiberglass strands bonded by resin. The exterior surface of a fiberboard air duct is covered with a foil that acts as a moisture and air barrier. The interior surface of these ducts is smoother than in metals. These air ducts are used for cooling and heating ductwork. It is not recommended for use in ventilation ducts. Fiberboard is inherently insulating, unlike aluminum and galvanized steel ducts. Talk with your air conditioner installation technician about the possibility of using these air ducts.
Flexible Ductwork
Also called flex ducts, these air ducts are made chiefly for HVAC applications. They primarily consist of a flexible interior plastic liner supported by a metal helix coil inside. A layer of fiberglass covers the duct. Though flex ducts are usually installed in a single continuous piece, it’s possible that leaks can arise at the seam when they are connected to metallic air ducts. The air conditioner installation pro must carefully and properly install these air ducts to avoid restricting airflow. An improper installation of a flexible duct system allows for sagging, tearing, sharp bends, crimping, and kinks resulting in different issues and probably equipment failure.
Fiberglass Air Ducts
Low-pressure systems use fiberglass ducting. Sheet metal ducts use fiberglass insulation with metal foil vapor barriers. The insulation prevents condensation. Are you planning to install an underground duct system? Then your air conditioner installation technician may recommend you use insulated fiberglass ducts. Fiberglass ducts are strong, corrosion-resistant, and easily modified. For commercial buildings, fiberglass duct boards reduce HVAC system noise. The liner can disintegrate and expose inhabitants to fiberglass particles. Most sheet metal ductwork is fiberglass-lined. Cleaning fiberglass-lined ducts is harder.
Round Or Rectangular Air Ducts?
Although rectangular air ducts are predominantly used in homes, they aren’t the only option for air conditioner installation companies and homeowners today. Another alternative that you can use is round ductwork. They are common in newer homes for various reasons. Although they might not be the best choice for your Katy, TX, home, it wouldn’t hurt to know the merits and demerits of round and rectangular duct systems.
Rectangular Air Ducts
Distinct and sturdy rectangular ducts are a great option for residential homes’ low-pressure heating and air conditioning systems. Contractors can fabricate rectangular air ducts on a truck or shop. However, they are a bit harder to install than round-shaped air ducts. The rectangular air ducts are heavier, and the air conditioner installation technician must seal too many areas because of how they are fabricated. Unfortunately, this means more joints and rivets, exposing them to even more chances of failure. These additional difficulties make installing these air ducts take a long.
Round Air Ducts
These air ducts are just as durable as rectangular air ducts. However, these air ducts can be easily manufactured with fewer seams. They also can be used for longer runs with fewer joints, meaning they have less airflow resistance. Hence, they are overall more efficient. Round ductwork comes in two varieties: classic and spiral, both of which can look chic when left uncovered. Air conditioner installation technicians aver that this ducting shape is lighter and simpler to install. Although they are merely round ducts that have been flattened, oval ducts fall into this category and are ideal for small wall cavities. The round air ducts are perfect for high-medium pressure systems, although they need more height for an installation, unlike the rectangular duct systems.
Choose the Next Ducts Wisely!
Do you need a ductwork installation? Contact us at Mr. Reliable Heating & Air for a quality service.
Photo By Bernard Zajac at Shutterstock
