Air Ducts are an integral part of the HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system. They play an important role in maintaining the temperature of the indoor environment and keeping the toxins out.
For commercial buildings HVAC system, regulates the temperature, making the building comfortable. Since commercial buildings are larger, one needs to be careful while selecting air ducts.
Here, we are going to through various types of ducts so you can make the right decision!
Four Main Types of Air Ducts
There are 4 main types of air ducts which are described below:
Sheet Metal
Sheet Metal ducts are usually made from aluminium or galvanised steel. The main prominent feature of sheet metal is that it does not rust which makes them extremely durable. They are a popular choice for residential and commercial projects. They come in various shapes such as
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Round
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Oval
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Rectangular
Flex Duct
Flex Ducts are made of bendable polymer encompassing a steel wire spiral and its surrounded by insulation. They are good for hard angles and tricky spaces due to flexibility. They are also lightweight and easy to install. Flex ducts also relatively cost less.
Fibreboard Duct
The fibreboard consists of two layers. Compressed fibreglass is present within a foil. These are the types of air ducts that come insulated. They are also cost-effective options. They also cancel out undesirable noise.
Fiberglass Duct
Fibreglass ducts are also made from some type of metal but they are consistent with an extra fibreglass lining. It often requires maintenance such as thorough cleaning because they are vulnerable to molds. They are desirable for commercial buildings due to their noise reduction abilities.
Considerations For Selecting Air Ducts
Size and Layout
The size and layout of the building are vital elements before procuring ducts. Analyze the layout of the building before selecting the type. For example, if you are looking for ducts to fit it intricate spaces then the most suitable choice would be flex ducts.
So it is important to assess the scale and structure of the commercial building. An HVAC Cost Estimator can help in your decesion. A cost estimator thoroughly evaluates the building’s layout and tells you what the best choice is. Don’t be shy to ask a professional for help!
Cost Analysis
Analyzing cost is an important factor for selecting air ducts. You don’t want to go over budget or lose money on any unnecessary expenses?
So how can you get good quality ducts and also get the best price? Commercial Estimating Services such as SMA MEP Estimate, can present an accurate budget. This includes conducting a comprehensive material takeoff including the cost of labour as well as any specific tool required for the installation process. So you can get a precise budget without lifting a finger!
Durability
The ducts need to be durable as it leads to a decrease in maintenance costs. Durability in the ducts includes the following:
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It is corrosion-resistant
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It must maintain structural integrity
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It must be adaptable to extreme environmental conditions i.e. harsh hot and cold weather.
Noise Control
Make sure that it possesses noise control characteristics. In commercial projects such as offices and healthcare facilities, it is pivotal to choose air ducts that are soundproof. That is why acquiring noise-cancelling ducts is a must-have factor for some particular projects. In addition to that, if you like peace then opt for noise control ducts!
Requirements for Installation
An HVAC professional needs to understand all the basic needs for the installation process. Ducts that are complex to install are prone to more risks. Other than that, expert labour is needed to install them properly, which will be costly
Proper installation is necessary for the HVAC system to perform more effectively which enhances its productivity in the long term. A precise Duct Takeoff can help with the process of installation. It will not only decrease costs but also lessen the wastage of materials.
Fire Resistance
Make sure that the ventilation system follows all procedures and standards of safety and security. It is important to get ducts that are resistant to fire thus following all the safety protocols of duct installation.
Conclusion
To wrap it all up, choosing the right Air Duct will not only increase an HVAC’s system efficiency but it will also increase the longevity. It is paramount to invest in a duct system as it ensures energy efficiency which results in cost savings and improves indoor air quality for the occupants. This article points out some of the most commonly used types as well as some various factors to consider. You also need to make sure that the installed system is compatible with the building codes and standards.