What should your ducts be made out of? There are a number of different types of ductwork material, all of which have advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you need to know.
Rigid Ducts
Rigid ducts are hard and durable. They typically last longer than other types of ductwork, and they’re less prone to leaking and damage. The tradeoff is that they’re more expensive to purchase and install. However, the energy savings they offer, along with their extended life span, more than makes up for it over time.
The most durable, rigid ductwork material is galvanized steel or aluminum sheet metal. Aluminum is lighter and often comes preinsulated. Steel ducts typically come coated in zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. However, sheet metal is a magnet for dust and other particles. You may need periodic duct cleaning to maintain good air quality.
You can also get fiberglass ductwork. Fiberglass lining keeps the ducts insulated, reducing energy loss. However, fiberglass can also deteriorate over time, causing fiberglass particles to get into your air.
Finally, fiberboard ducts consist of resin boards with fiberglass on the inside and foil on the outside. These are lighter and cheaper than sheet metal, with built-in insulation. However, the porous surface makes it more susceptible to mold growth, particularly in humid areas.
Flexible Ducts
Rigid ducts are best suited to new ductwork installations. Flexible ducts are better for add-ons. Materials like rubber, silicone, or PVC can be made to fit into spaces where rigid ductwork can’t. While lighter, cheaper, and easier to install, flexible ducts are also less energy efficient.
Silicone or PVC reinforced with steel wiring provides the best abrasion resistance, i.e., continued durability in the face of friction. They’re also less prone to dust and mold, making them low maintenance with good overall air quality.
Which type of ductwork material is best? It depends on your home’s needs. Talk to your HVAC technician to determine what kind of ducts will work best in your home.
For help getting the best ductwork material for your home, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. Dayton trusts us for quality heating and cooling solutions.
