HVAC systems are among the most common among the many ventilation systems installed in a home. All these ventilation systems require different ducting systems according to their function. Yet, the ducting can be further categorized into two primary categories: Rigid and flexible (Alumaflex) duct systems.
There are many factors that determine the best ducting for your ventilation systems, such as code requirements, budget, etc. When installing a brand new HVAC system, it is essential to have extensive knowledge about different duct systems that suits your needs. Therefore, this article will discuss the two main types of ducting systems, their pros and cons, and how you can choose the right ducting for your home.
The passageways used in HVAC systems are known as ducts. Their primary function is to efficiently remove and deliver air and evenly distribute them at various temperatures to your entire home.
Since you have learned what a duct system does, it is now time to tell you about the two primary types of ducts you can choose from, according to your house’s needs. Let us discuss each type with its features, pros, and cons.
Typically tube-shaped, the alumaflex ductwork is made from a steel-string wire coil covered with a flexible polymer plastic. These ducts are the best option to install in small spaces where the rigid duct can simply not fit. Since the flexible ductwork uses cheaper materials, it is quite an affordable choice to make.
This type of ductwork comes in a variety of materials and sizes. They can be cylindrical or rectangular, consisting of a solid material covered in insulation. Rigid ductwork is pretty reliable and enduring but more on the expensive side. However, with a high price also comes higher quality, as it does not make any noise when running. Three common types of rigid ductwork include fiberglass ducts, fiberboard ducts, and sheet metal ducts.
Today when most houses have a modern construction, people are inclined towards installing flexible ductwork because of its affordability compared to rigid sheet metal ducts. Installing a rigid duct is also tricky because it needs to be covered in insulation with more transition points to be made. This can eventually lead to more air leaks from the rigid duct. However, flexible ducts have many turns and bends as they run through the entire house. But, it takes much less time than the rigid duct to install. Therefore, both the vents work perfectly fine if they are designed and installed correctly. It entirely depends on which one to choose according to your house’s size, budget, and installation time.
