Do you know the human circulatory system and your HVAC unit have much in common? HVAC ductwork functions like veins and arteries. Veins and arteries work to transport blood, while ducts move cold or hot air to different spaces.
Both systems rely on pressure to ensure proper flow. Like the heart pumps blood, the system’s air handler drives airflow through the ducts.
Similar to veins beneath the skin, ducts hide behind ceilings, walls, and floors. Although the home’s structure conceals ducts from sight, you might spot them in your attic. Ducts reach the indoor living space through vents, grilles, or registers.
However, ducts have other vital functions in HVAC systems. If you want to learn more, Action Air Conditioning has provided a breakdown of HVAC ductwork.
Why is HVAC Ductwork Important?
Ductwork is important for many reasons. Like the human circulatory system, ductwork is crucial in HVAC functioning.
Here are the primary functions of HVAC ductwork:
Maintains Indoor Air Quality
Ductwork carries filtered air through your home. Dispersing clean air helps maintain good indoor air quality. With cleaner air, you’ll experience less dust accumulation.
Humidity control
Ductwork provides humidity control. A motorized fan connected to the AC ducts blows air over the evaporator coil. The coil removes humidity from the air. Then, the air blows through ductwork and back to the indoor living space.
Energy Efficient
Properly installed and sized HVAC ductwork improves airflow and reduces waste. Duct insulation helps decrease energy losses, saving you money on heating and cooling. As a result, your system is more energy efficient.
Temperature Regulation
Ductwork prevents temperature fluctuations, moving heated or cooled air throughout your home.
Increases System Lifespan
A unit with dirty ducts strains HVAC components, leading to system wear and tear. However, regular AC duct maintenance will improve system efficiency and extend its lifespan.
Types of Air Ducts
Fiberboard Air Ducts
Fiberboard air ducts contain flat sheets of resin-bonded fiberglass. They are insulated in foil. Since they are airtight and inexpensive, they are useful for commercial and industrial buildings.
However, they are not recommended for humid climates because they are prone to mold and mildew. Fiberboard quickly deteriorates, which results in poor indoor air quality and health concerns. Cleaning them can cause fiberglass to disperse throughout your home.
If you see suspect damage, replace them immediately to prevent potential health hazards.
Flex Ducts
Flex ductwork is durable and highly flexible compared to other duct materials. They are insulated with fiberglass and have a plastic wire core, and the outside is wrapped in foil or vinyl.
They are cheap and easy to manipulate and install. Flex ducts are convenient anchors for rigid ducts in larger duct systems.
The problem with these ducts is that they are vulnerable to damage. Flex duct punctures compromise your HVAC system, reducing its efficiency.
Sheet Metal Ducts
Sheet metal ducts consist of aluminum or galvanized steel. They are durable and rust-resistant.
These ducts are more expensive than fabric options and are poorly insulated. To prevent air from escaping, the joints and seams require insulation.
Overall, sheet metal ducts are superior to other materials because of their durability and enhanced airflow. Also, they’re less vulnerable to mold. The only drawback is that they are more complicated to install.
Return vs. Supply Ducts
Ventilation systems air ducts differ based on the direction of airflow.
The following are the two main types of ducts:
- Supply air ducts
- Return air ducts
Supply ducts blow cold or warm air into the indoor living space. They used registers to control the flow.
Return ducts balance airflow through the system. They draw air from the living space back to the furnace or AC unit via the blower fan. Then, the air returns to be cooled or heated, filtered, and redistributed throughout your home.
This completes the air circulation cycle through your heating and cooling systems.
Call Action Air Conditioning Professionals for Ductwork Installation and Repair
If your HVAC ductwork has leaks or is improperly installed, Action Air Conditioning experts can help! As Tampa Bay professionals, we will survey your ductwork and provide recommendations.
Our primary goal is to give you the ultimate in-home comfort. All work is performed with honesty, reliability, and integrity.
Contact us today to speak with one of our representatives or to schedule a FREE estimate! We will answer all your questions and send a trained and certified technician to your door.
If your ductwork is causing uneven cooling or high bills, our AC repair team can take a look.
Originally published: December 2021