There are many different factors to consider when you're picking out the right air conditioning system for your home, but one thing many homeowners forget to think about is whether they should go for rigid or flexible ductwork.
Those ducts are what transmit cool air around your home. Flexible ductwork usually comes in the form of a flexible tube, whereas rigid ductwork will be solid and usually made from either stainless steel, galvanized steel, or PVC plastic. While flexible ductwork does offer its own benefits, rigid ductwork is generally seen as the better option.
Here are just four reasons why.
1. Superior Durability
Probably the most compelling reason to choose rigid ductwork is the durability it offers. Flexible ductwork is nowhere near as strong, so it's far more likely to sustain punctures and rips. These might not seem major at first, but they can impede the efficiency of your system and increase your energy bills. Over time, broken flexible ductwork will need to be replaced. In contrast, rigid ductwork is extremely strong and unlikely to sustain damage. This is particularly important if part of your ductwork will be outside since you'll need something that can withstand damage from adverse weather conditions.
2. Lower Airflow Resistance
Rigid ductwork runs far straighter than flexible ductwork, and it usually offers a wider interior with a smooth surface. As such, it boasts a much lower resistance to airflow. This means your central cooling unit won't need to work as hard to move cool air around your property. As such, rigid ductwork reduces wear and tear and generally ensures that less energy is consumed.
3. More Stable
Rigid ductwork typically takes longer to install than flexible ductwork, but it's far more stable once it is installed. Flexible ductwork tends to move more as air flows through it, so it can more easily come loose or brush up against other parts of your property. That can lead to wear over time, and it can also increase the noise created by your air conditioning system. This shouldn't be a problem with rigid ductwork since it is far more stable.
4. More Hygienic
Rigid ductwork is usually made from sheet metal, which means it features a smooth and non-porous surface. This means that mould and other dangerous growths are unlikely to gain a foothold. This isn't going to be a concern for every homeowner. However, it's something to think about if your air conditioning will go unused for a large part of the year since ductwork undisturbed by airflow will be at greater risk of harbouring such growths.
For more information, contact an air conditioning service near you.
Hello! My name is Jake. I am the kind of guy who finds out about a subject and then who must learn everything he can about it. A subject I have focused on in recent times is HVAC. This might seem a little strange. However, my interest was sparked when an HVAC contractor visited my home to install a new air con system. He was really friendly and he took the time to answer my questions. Since then, I have been doing everything I can to learn about HVAC. I hope you enjoy reading what I have written on my blog.