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Your ductwork has a significant impact on both your home comfort and your energy efficiency. That's why, when installing new ducts, it's important to get the right kind and the right materials. Here's how ductwork material can affect your heating and cooling.
Rigid Ductwork Material
If you're installing new ductwork, you'll want something durable that won't leak or damage easily. Rigid ducts are the best in this regard. They cost a bit more, but the energy savings and extended life span make it worthwhile.
The most durable material is aluminum or galvanized, steel sheet metal. Aluminum is lighter, and it often comes with insulation built in. Steel, meanwhile, is generally coated with zinc to resist rust and corrosion. Unfortunately, sheet metal is a dust magnet, which can lower your indoor air quality. To counter this, periodic duct cleaning is recommended.
Some sheet metal ducts are lined with fiberglass insulation, which is even worse for your indoor air quality, as fiberglass particles can enter the air. Ideally, fiberglass should be on the outside of the ducts rather than the inside.
Finally, fiberboard ducts are made of compressed resin, lined with foil outside and fiberglass inside. This combination is great for maintaining air temperature. However, it's also susceptible to humidity, which can cause mold growth.
Flexible Ductwork Material
For optimal airflow and efficiency, the best shape for your ducts is cylindrical — which is how most rigid ducts are manufactured. However, a cylindrical shape doesn't always fit where you need your ducts to go. For that, you'll need flexible ductwork that can take the shape of those hard-to-reach areas.
The skeleton of flexible ducts is steel wiring, but the rest can be made of a variety of materials. For the best durability, you'll want rubber, silicone, or PVC. These stand up well to friction, and with proper insulation, they can minimize heat loss. They're also less susceptible to humidity and require less maintenance than rigid ducts.
Your HVAC technician can help you determine what ductwork material is best for your home. For help installing and maintaining your ductwork, contact us at Air Assurance. We keep Broken Arrow homes comfortable and efficient.