Learn How to Find the Best Home Ductwork on the Market

The best ductwork for your home is the type that fits the location and purpose and efficiently distributes heat and cooling to all parts of your house. In a typical residence, installed HVAC ductwork ranges from 30 to 90 linear feet. Most of that length is supply ducts, which deliver conditioned air to rooms. The remainder is the separate span of return ducts that remove air from rooms and convey it back to the central air handler.

Four basic types of ducts are common in residential use and likely make for the best ductwork available. Determining the best ductwork for your home involves identifying the specific use for that particular duct as well as the material which best meets the requirements of that usage.

Sheet Metal

Made of galvanized steel or aluminum, this is the most common all-purpose ductwork for both supply and return. Made in standardized sizes, these ducts are often rectangular in shape and have a smooth internal surface. Sheet metal ducts can fit into many parts of the house, including inside walls and ceilings.

Fiberboard

Made of fiberglass strands glued together with resin, these molded boards can be utilized to construct ductwork of various shapes. The main advantages of fiberglass ductwork are lower costs than sheet metal and the fact that fiberboard can be more easily cut and adapted to fit a variety of interior spaces.

Fiberglass-Lined

These are sheet metal ducts with a special, internal fiberglass lining. The smooth lining supports optimum airflow, reduces air leakage, and also serves as soundproofing to minimize the noise of air moving through the duct. However, the fiberglass lining also retains dirt and dust, so duct cleaning may be required.

Flexible Ducts

This is usually round ductwork constructed of an internal wire coil covered by thick plastic. As the name implies, it’s very flexible and thus can be adapted into many configurations as well as fit into tight spaces. Flex duct is typically the cheapest ductwork, however, and also the least durable, making it easily punctured and vulnerable to becoming deformed or sagging over time.

For experienced advice to select the best ductwork for your home, contact the professionals at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.