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Can You Use a Flexible Duct for HVAC in Boca Raton, FL?

can you use flexible duct for hvac

Trust Cool By Design for your HVAC needs, whether that’s furnace repair service, AC unit installation, or indoor air quality solutions in Boca Raton, Florida!

The tubing system—ductwork—that distributes warm and cool air throughout your home plays a crucial role in your HVAC system. Homes typically feature traditional metal or rigid ductwork. However, the growing popularity of flexible ducts continues to spark interest, mostly for their ability to bend around objects and corners more easily than their predecessors.

Can you use a flexible duct for HVAC systems? How does it work? 

As the go-to contractor for expert HVAC repair in Boca Raton, Florida, the Cool By Design team explores HVAC installation with flexible ducts below.

What Are Flexible Ducts?

Flex ducts comprise coiled metal wire and a pliant plastic material. Your duct installers cover the flexible ductwork with a layer of fiberglass for insulation and then add a foil or vinyl jacket. 

Consistent with its name, flex ducts easily navigate corners and obstacles. Traditional ducts’ thin sheets of galvanized steel don’t do as well around corners, though they create rigid circular or square-shaped tubes that are strong. 

Both types of ductwork systems come in various sizes, making them ideal for numerous applications. Choosing which type to get depends on a few factors, including your preference.

The Benefits of Using Flexible Ducts for Your Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Plan on using flex duct for heating and cooling? This decision will come with several perks. 

Lower Installation Cost

Flex ducts are a less costly material. They also take less time to install, thanks to the lower skill levels and elbow grease required.

With reduced labor involved, your installation costs reflect the savings.

Less Noisy

Metal ductwork vibrates and makes other noises. Flex ducts absorb sound. 

HVAC flexible ductwork sets your mind at ease about unwanted noises coming from your duct system.  

Fewer Leaks

A flexible duct in HVAC systems comes with seamless installation and doesn’t require any sealant in its original form. Metal ducts need additional sealant, but you won’t have to worry about inspecting your flexible ducts for leaks as often as you would with metal ducts.  

Can you use a flexible duct for HVAC systems in Boca Raton? Why not? The lower chance of leakage makes a flexible duct for air conditioning and heating more energy-efficient and pocket-friendly. 

Potential Drawbacks of Flex Ducts

Before going the flex duct route, consider the following potential cons of using flexible ducts in HVAC systems:  

Less Durable

Flexible ducts aren’t metal. Their less durable material wears down faster, and you may have to repair or replace parts more often.

Difficult To Clean

Since a flexible duct’s inner polymer lining can easily incur damage, DIY cleaning proves challenging.  

Prone To Additional Complications

While a flexible ductwork system allows for easier installation, it may present further challenges like twisting or compression. Pests also find their way into flexible ducts more often.

Shorter Lifespan

A well-maintained metal duct system can last well over 25 years. Flex ducts barely last more than 20. Nonetheless, proper installation and routine maintenance can maximize this lifespan.  

Are Flexible Ducts Right for Your HVAC System in Boca Raton?

Flex duct suitability in HVAC systems will typically depend on:

  • Your budget
  • Your home’s size and layout
  • Your unique heating and cooling needs

Flex ducts fit the bill if you need an affordable and easy-to-install option. Alternatively, you could use both flex and metal ducts to reap the benefits of both types of ductwork. For example, flexible ducts can work well as branches that connect to the main metal ductwork.  

Why not chat with a local Boca Raton duct installer like Cool by Design? A seasoned expert will consider your property’s needs and point you in the right direction.  

Contact Cool By Design for High-Quality HVAC Solutions in Boca Raton, Florida

When it comes to your home’s comfort and indoor air quality needs, look no further than Cool By Design. We strive to lead South Florida’s residential HVAC industry by thinking outside the box and taking a “whole home” approach to your comfort solutions. 

Are you looking to improve your indoor air quality? Talk to our experts about investing in an ERV system.

Can you use a flexible duct for HVAC purposes? What are the alternatives for your heating and cooling systems? Find out when you contact Cool By Design at (954) 541-8277 to schedule top-tier service in and around Boca Raton, Florida.