If you are planning on upgrading the heating functions in your residential property, you should consider ducted heating. In general, this option is highly effective and efficient for heating the entire building or even specific zones, depending on your requirements. The ducted heating system consists of a central heating unit which generates heat using gas-powered furnaces or reverse cycle pumps. This is connected to a network of ductwork which is installed in the ceiling or even floors to distribute the heat. If you decide to set up this system, it is crucial for you to install the right ducting. This will determine the quality of heat distribution and the longevity of the system.

Plastic Ductwork

Plastic or polymer ducts are commonly known as flexible ducts. These products are manufactured using plastic, so they are relatively inexpensive. Moreover, the material is lightweight which means that the installation of the ductwork is fairly easy. Normally, a steel wire is incorporated into the duct design to improve the structural stability. However, you should note that the ducts are still highly flexible. Therefore, make certain that the length of the ductwork is as short as possible because long ducts have multiple joints and tend to sag over time. This affects overall efficiency of heat distribution.

Sheet Metal Ductwork

The main advantage of choosing sheet metal duct is the durability of the construction materials. These types of products can withstand physical stress and heavy usage without distortion or other forms of damage. Typically, sheet metal ducts are constructed using steel or aluminium. If you choose the former, ensure that the surface is galvanised to prevent rust. If you decide to install this type of ductwork, you can choose different shapes such as spiral oval, rectangular and even circular, depending on the installation requirements. The primary shortcoming of sheet metal ducts is their luck of insulation properties. Therefore, choose products which are lined with fibreglass for the best heat distribution performance.

Fibreboard Ducts

Fibreboard is an ideal material for ducted heat distribution because it has good insulation. As implied, these ducts are made using inorganic glass fibres which are bonded together using special resin. In addition to the exceptional performance, fibreboard ductwork also provides sound insulation. On the other hand, fibreboard is porous, so the surfaces are vulnerable to water vapour and microbial growth. Therefore, when you are shopping for the ducts, you should make sure that the interior surfaces are sealed and the external areas are covered with protective foil for optimal performance.