When homeowners receive quotes from HVAC contractors, they typically are given two duct replacement options, sheet metal or fiberglass duct board. There is a third option, phenolic duct, that is made of plastic foam with a foil liner on the inside and exterior. It hasn’t been on the market long enough to weigh in on its merits and shortcomings and will not be included in this comparison. Homeowners usually go for the product their HVAC contractor recommends; however, all systems have their strengths and weaknesses. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of two of these materials when installed in the typical residence.
Back in the rural south, around 1940, power companies would mail flyers to their customers at the beginning of summer. These flyers would give tips on how to stay cool during the hottest days ahead. Some of the tips were; grow ample shade around your residence, stay inside during the hottest part of the day, use open windows for increased air circulation, and keep wet towels available to cool your forehead and neck. Homes, in those days, were designed to facilitate air movement. Large porches and arched ceilings in hallways enhanced air currents that moved freely through the structure. These conditions were the norm for homeowners before the availability of affordable air conditioning.
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