Different Types of HVAC Ducts for Commercial Use

Projects that involve installation, improvement or replacement of their HVAC systems face the challenges of making complex choices. Right from choosing a brand name to finding the right sized equipment, it is important to make decisions with utmost care so that your heating and cooling system is reliable and efficient.

Importance of Ductwork

While planning new installation project with your HVAC professional, make sure you take time to consider the design of your ductwork. The ductwork in your HVAC system basically connects the entire system together to form a single unit. It forms the network that delivers air from your furnace or air conditioner to the internal spaces of your commercial space.

This heated or cooled air is directed by powerful fans and flow through the length of the ductwork and exits through the vents. This system regulates the temperature of the air inside your facility and without the ductwork, it is impossible for the conditioned air to travel from the HVAC unit to the inside of the building.

Commercial HVAC units should also be well insulated and properly sealed to avoid any air loss, especially prevalent at the junctions. Heated and cooled air lost halfway while traveling through the ducts can significantly increase your monthly expenses and reduce the efficiency of your system. Also, some ducts require insulation so that the temperature of the heated or cooled air is not affected as it travels through the ductwork.

Types of Commercial Ducts

Stainless Steel – Stainless steel is very popularly used in commercial applications. Stainless steel ducts manufacturers in Dubai produce ducts fabricated from high-quality stainless steel sheets of grade 304 and grade 316 and are made available in both round and rectangular shape.

An SS duct is more preferably used for its inherent characteristics like sturdiness, longevity, resistance to fire and corrosion, and high recycle rate. SS ducts are set up in large sections, and the smaller sections are installed where the ducts bend. The intersection should be sealed securely with either sealant used for this purpose or with metal tape.

Flexible non-metallic – These types of ducts are made up of a continuous length of metal that is coiled to form a pipe and is enclosed in plastic or any other non-metallic substance. These ducts are lightweight and can be bent into any shape as per the requirement.

These types of ducts are especially advantageous in places where space is restricted, or the duct needs to be snaked around obstructions. Though leakage is rarely seen in flexible non-metallic ducts, care should be taken as they are easier to puncture than metallic ducts. The chances for air leak are common at the joints, where the ducts are connected to the vents as such these areas require careful installation.

Fiberglass Duct Board – These ducts are fabricated from compressed fiberglass with an external layer of foil. This foil layer helps to resist moisture and creates an air barrier. Another quality of fiberglass duct boards is that they have a very smooth interior which offers a path of minimum resistance for air flow.

Fiberglass duct boards are mostly installed in a trunk and branch design with a larger trunk directing air into smaller branches. These ducts are among the least expensive ducts available for commercial use.

The features of stainless steel make it the best ducting material for commercial applications. In order to install an efficient system in your building make sure you contact the best stainless steel duct manufacturers in Dubai for your project.

Asmita is a writer who has very good experience in writing articles & blogs. Since last few years her writing passion & knowledge is educating about industrial equipments.