Ductwork
Ductwork is a crucial component of your homes’ HVAC system as it assists the air handler in providing conditioned air throughout your home. Air is supplied to your air handler via negative air pressure through vents called ‘returns.’ Air travels through the duct and over the evaporator coil in your air handler, cooling as it does. ‘Supplies’ are the vents that supply conditioned air throughout your home. It can be categorized into 2 primary types; rigid ductwork and flexible ductwork.
Rigid Duct
An example of a commercial application of rigid duct.
This ductwork is more commonly used in northern climates where HVAC systems are also responsible for providing heat and are installed in homes with a furnace / boiler. In Southwest Florida, rigid ducts are installed in primarily commercial applications for their resistance to mold growth and durability. Due to the higher cost of rigid ducts, it isn’t often used in residential homes in Florida except for dryer vents and hood / stove vents. It is manufactured either in galvanized steel or aluminum.
Flexible Duct
This ductwork is commonplace in residential applications as it is more cost effective and easier to install than other ductwork. It is typically made of coiled wire encased in plastic; insulated flexible ducts are further wrapped in a layer of insulation then encased in a metallized polymer jacket for further durability. It is crucial that this duct is installed properly as too many turns, bends or too much slack in the duct can cause issues with airflow and affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. If you’re looking for a certified, licensed, and professional HVAC contractor in Southwest Florida, give us a call today!
An example of flexible duct installed during new construction.