Traditional ducts are made of galvanized steel or aluminum. These metal ducts are generally straight and rigid. Installing them requires a fair amount of planning and design. A flexible duct can connect metal ductwork to individual grills and registers. However, it is increasingly being used as an alternative to hard metal ductwork. Here are some pros and cons associated with this hose of installation.

What Is Flexible Ductwork?

Like metal ducts, flexible tubing provides a path for air to flow. It branches from the main plenum to different rooms and to the main components of your heating and ventilation system. Flexible ducts are made of a round wire coil encased in bendable polymer skin. A layer of fiberglass insulation usually goes around the plastic wall. Then, a thin cover made of polyethylene or foil goes over the insulation. A flex duct may also be made of PVC, rubber, silicone, or stainless steel.

Pros of Flexible Ducts

Less Costly to Install:

• Flexible ductwork is cheaper when you consider materials, installation, and labor costs. Less skill and effort are required to install it. On the other hand, metal ducts are almost twice as expensive and a fair amount of effort is needed to seal joints, seams, and elbows.

Easier Installation:

• Putting in metal ducts needs exact measuring and fitting, and computer tools to plan the system. Flexible stuff can bend around corners and fit in tight spaces, so it works for almost any home.

Faster Installation Time:

• Flexible ducts are much easier to put in. This means the job can be done much quicker than with stiff metal ducts.

Less Noise:

• Metal ducts can make vibrations, whistling, and other sounds in a heating & air conditioning system. Flexible ductwork stops these noises.

Fewer Leaks:

• Duct sections made of metal are often limited to just 3 feet long. This requires many seams throughout the system, which can leak as much as 30% of heated or cooled air, as estimated by the S. Department of Energy

Cons of Flexible Ducts

Higher Energy Costs:

• When flex ducts are bent and twisted around obstacles, it creates drag and reduces airflow, so more energy is required to circulate air.

Less Durable:

• Compared to traditional metal ductwork, flexible tubing is more prone to tears, punctures, and other damage. It also becomes brittle over time.

Hard to Clean:

• The tools used to clean traditional air ducts are too harsh for flexible tubes. They can easily damage the thin polymer lining. More sensitive cleaning tools and methods are needed to safely clean these duct systems.

Prone to Trouble:

• The softer nature of flexible ductwork makes it prone to issues like pinching, twisting, and compression. It’s also more susceptible to damage by rodents, insects, and other pests.

Shorter Lifespan:

• Under ordinary conditions, metal ductwork will outlast flexible ducts unless it is installed in a highly corrosive environment. Most of the time, flex ducts won’t last more than 20 or 25 years.

Challenges of Maintaining Flexible Ductwork in HVAC Systems

Although flexible ductwork is easy to put in and use in many ways, keeping it working well over time can be tricky. Unlike regular sheet metal ducts, which last longer, flexible ducts need more care to make sure the airflow stays good and the system keeps working well.

One big challenge is that they can easily get damaged from pressure and things around them. Flexible ducts, often made from plastic, silicone, or fiberglass, can tear or get squished when bent around tight corners or things in the ceiling or under the floor. This reduces airflow and makes the system work harder to heat or cool a room. Also, the internal wire structure and diameter of the duct can change shape, making ventilation uneven.

Another problem is dust and corrosion buildup. Over time, dust can stick inside the ducts, especially in places like kitchens or laboratories, where there’s a lot in the air. Regular cleaning is important but tricky because the duct’s jacket and hose lining are fragile. Unlike stainless steel or alloy pipes, cleaning tools must be used carefully to avoid making holes.

Lastly, the warranty and policy for flexible ducts are often different from those for metal ductwork. Customers should check feedback and product information on brands to make sure they’re buying strong and reliable systems. Taking good care of them is key to avoid replacing them often and make them last long.

Why Trust Service Today! to Install Flexible Ducts

If you don’t have much money to spend, have hard-to-reach spots in your home, and already have some bendy air pipes, flexible ductwork might be best for you. Our workers know what they’re doing. They have the right training and always try to make customers happy. To get started, fill out our online contact form or call (888) 586-2135 now.