Air ducts play a crucial role in distributing conditioned air throughout your home. They’re the skeletal structure that connects your HVAC system to each room’s vents.
Dirty ducts cause uneven temperature distribution and can heighten asthma symptoms. It’s essential to regularly clean them. Besides that, they require proper insulation to maintain airflow efficiency and prevent condensation.
Sheet Metal
Sheet metal is a flat and thin piece of material that can be stamped, shaped, and bent to form different objects. It is used in many products, such as car bodies, airplane wings, kitchen utensils, and metal roofs. It can be made from various materials, but galvanized steel and aluminum are popular choices. It comes in two formats: coils and blanks. The thickness of sheet metal is usually measured in three ways: millimeters, mils, and gauges.
The thickness of a sheet is important when it comes to forming and bending the material. Keeping the bend radius of a sheet equal to or greater than its thickness can prevent structural defects and distortions in the finished product. Using a roller to reduce the thickness of a piece of metal is a common method for creating thinner sheets.
Sheet metal fabrication is a common process for making commercial and industrial appliances. For example, retail display cubes and point-of-sale stands are typically created from a combination of welded and bent sheets of metal. The food industry also makes use of sheet metal fabrication to create storage units and worktop surfaces. Metal is chosen for its durability and the ability to resist corrosion from chemicals. It is also relatively cool to the touch, compared to human skin, which loses heat quickly. This keeps workers comfortable when they are assembling or working with food products.
Fiberboard
Fiberboard is a common choice for flooring, cabinetry, wall panels, and furniture pieces. It can be sanded and painted, making it a versatile option for projects that need to meet specific aesthetic requirements. It is less expensive than solid wood and works well with air ducts because of its acoustic qualities. Its strength levels also make it ideal for high-traffic areas where durability is important.
The older ductwork in many homes is made from fiberglass strands held together with resin and covered with foil for insulation. This type of ductwork can trap dust and other debris in the crevices between the fiberglass strands, which can negatively impact indoor air quality and system efficiency. It can also deteriorate over time, releasing fiberglass particles into the air, which can be hazardous to your family’s health.
Luckily, you can now find green varieties of this material that are made from recycled raw materials like agricultural residues and wood chips. These are more environmentally friendly than conventional fiberglass and provide the same insulating properties as standard ducts. This is a great way to keep your home safe, warm, and energy-efficient while contributing to a greener planet!
Flexible
While it’s not as durable as sheet metal ductwork, flexible ducting is a great choice for many applications. This type of ductwork typically features a round wire coil encased in a bendable polymer plastic and then wrapped with fiberglass insulation. It’s a popular choice for heating and ventilation systems because it makes airflow branch out to different rooms in the house. It’s also an ideal option for those with tight or nontraditional spaces because it can be easily shaped and fit to meet the space’s needs.
Like ductwork made from other materials, flexible ducts experience friction as they move through the air. This happens when the ducts rub against one another, and this can cause the airflow to slow down, lose energy, or even stop entirely. Keeping your ducts clean will help reduce friction and ensure that your HVAC system is running properly.
Since flex ducts are cylindrical, it can be difficult to seal them where they connect. This can lead to leaks. The best way to prevent this from happening is to have your ducts regularly cleaned and inspected by professionals, who can look for leaks and other problems. They can also recommend other measures to improve your home’s energy efficiency, such as duct sealing and insulation. These professionals can also provide regular maintenance for your HVAC system.