How To Choose a Flexible Air Duct
A simple description of a ducting hose is a tube connected at each end and designed to move air from one location to another. Regarding the applicability of ducting hoses, there is no one-size-fits-all. Ducting hoses come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and characteristics. Materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, thermoplastic rubber, aluminum, polyurethane, coated polyester fiberglass, etc., are all used to make ducting hoses. Different materials have unique advantages. The PVC ducting hoses are very flexible, whereas the grit hose is relatively stiff.
Various materials are available, some of which can withstand greater operating temperatures while others can resist chemicals. Knowing the kind of flexible duct hose needed in a given setting depends on the following factors;
- The material the hose will be passing through
- The temperature the duct hose must withstand
- Whether or not chemical resistance is required, and whether or not the duct hose bears utility for positive or negative electricity.
- A negative pressure environment is necessary.
- And the necessary length and width specifications. Let us see how you can choose a flexible air duct.
Here is a detailed guide to help you choose a flexible air duct.
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- Planning for Costs Associated with Ductwork
The local building code is likely to be the first thing you look at, followed by your budget.
Flexible ductwork costs less because inexpensive materials make them. Compared to rigid ducting, it is less expensive and easier to install because it weighs less and can be shaped and joined in fewer ways. Most retailers can purchase flexible ducting for as little as $1.5 per foot. The ducting materials can also go for as much as $5 per foot for the highest-quality options.
The cost increases with installation, albeit it’s noteworthy that flexible ducts are less complicated to set up, so one can keep installation work to a minimum. The price per foot for supplies and labor will range from approximately $12 to $27. It is also quite accessible and sold by numerous retailers, including Amazon.com.
The production, shipping, and installation of rigid ducting all add up to make it more expensive than its flexible counterpart. Prices for rigid metal ducting range from $6 to $20 per foot, depending on the material. Up to $70 per foot may be necessary once you include it in the installation price.
- Consider the Venting Distance
You can use a maximum length before it becomes too long to facilitate adequate airflow and ventilation when installing ductwork. As the fan’s diameter provides the airflow increases, the maximum permissible length decreases. Due to the lack of internal ridges that slow airflow in flexible ductwork, you could use longer lengths with smooth wall/rigid ductwork.
- Measurements of Passageways
Flexible ducting is preferable to rigid ducting when working in tight or awkward places. Flexible ducts are more convenient to work with than rigid ones because you can easily bend them instead of cutting and connecting them using an elbow in tight situations such as small crawl spaces. Working on your stomach makes it tough to get your hands around the duct and complete the operation.
The airflow velocity and maximum length of flexible ducting diminish with each turn of the ducting. Therefore, avoid excessive bending. Moreover, you can reposition the duct to fit into a specific area, but it must never be squashed.
- How simple is it for animals to access it?
Home settings that are warm, moist, and rarely disturbed are favorites of unwanted house guests. These match up with the locations of the ductwork for the air circulation system. And the ducts themselves can be a source of additional warmth and dampness (although this typically indicates a problem or a need for duct insulation).
Rigid ducting, preferably metal, is the superior option if your ducting passes through an area that animals can get into. Rodents and rodents, as well as raccoons and squirrels, have little trouble chewing through rigid ducting. When ventilation ducts have holes, hot, damp, or greasy air can rush through them unchecked, resulting in wasted energy, higher operating expenses, and a significant annoyance until the ducts can be repaired.
- The length of stay in the house matters
Flexible ducting should be used wherever practical when making repairs to a home to put it on the market. Although it is acceptable and permitted, it won’t last as long as rigid ducting and won’t be a priority when it needs to be replaced. On the other hand, let’s say that you are building the home of your dreams, one that will serve your family for many years and become a true architectural treasure. Rigid ducting is the best option here. It’s a better long-term investment than flexible ducting.
Final Thought
To save money, opt for flexible ducts. The costs of setup and upkeep may be reduced as a result. It makes sense to save money with flexible ducts if you are on a tight budget or would instead use that money for other aspects of the redesign, such as new furniture or a more elaborate paint job. The lower cost of the materials will reduce professional labor costs. Because of how easy it is to set up, you won’t need to pay for an arm and a leg for installation help. Flexible ducts are precisely that. Consequently, they can be set up in areas where bulky metal ducts would be too difficult to install. Flexible ducting is an excellent choice when working with various angles and tight spaces.