Ductwork is the air supply infrastructure that allows a central air system to deliver heated or cooled air throughout a building. Picking the right ductwork is important as it covers a lot of ground, and if installed poorly could lead to larger efficiency issues.
Ductwork is crucial to the operation of an HVAC system as it needs to be properly sized to allow for air to travel without putting strain on to the HVAC blower motors. Ductwork design and installation is one of the most important parts of an HVAC system as it needs to be precise to properly spread air evenly throughout different rooms in a building. When ductwork is not operating properly, the ability to heat and cool will suffer.
Depending on how much space there is to work with, and the buildings foundation type ductwork is either installed in the crawl space beneath a building or in the attic. It's important to know if the air around the ductwork will be hotter or cooler than its interior air. If your ductwork is beneath your home you will be combatting the cold surroundings during winter, and if the ductwork is installed in the attic you will be combatting hot air during summer.
Rigid ductwork is constructed from thin sheet metal. It is usually sealed as well as encased in insulation. Rigid ductwork works well in homes with large buildings with bigger central HVAC systems. Rigid Ductwork will be used when installation requires it to be exposed or part of a rooftop duct and more. This type of ductwork is known for being durable. It is also known for its ability to resist collapse or damage by pests. The joints involved with this type of ductwork are carefully sealed and taped to prevent any type of leaks.
Flexible ductwork is made from flexible plastic tubes that are wrapped by a wire frame and insulation with a plastic cover. In many cases, they are more cost-effective than other types of ductwork as it is easier to install and place in tight areas. It can be put in places where putting rigid ductwork would not be possible. This type of ductwork easily conforms to round as well as oval connectors. With superior flexibility, it decreases the number of joints required and can eliminate any requirements for offsets and elbows.
Without proper insulation, ductwork will cause a negative temperature difference with your heated or cooled air. This is because ductwork is often made of a thin material which makes it easy to absorb heat. When ductwork is properly insulated, it ensures proper temperatures can be maintained. The most common material used for ductwork insulation is fiberglass, however, reflex is also becoming popular.
Not sure if your ductwork was installed properly, or if they type of ductwork installed is the correct type for your HVAC system? If so, it's important to hire a qualified HVAC contractor to inspect your system and determine if it's so. An inspection can help identify any issues or problems with your ductwork that could be affecting the efficiency of your HVAC system, as well as ensure that your ductwork is safe, secure and up to code.
If you need to inspect your ductwork in Austin, contact Stan's today to schedule an appointment. We can perform a comprehensive systems performance check to ensure that your ductwork is properly installed, the right way.
Stan’s HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical
6016 Dillard Cir
Austin, TX 78752
See Service Area
HVAC: 512-929-9393
Plumbing: 512-580-8153
