The Importance of Air Conditioning Duct in Your Home

One of the most important comfort components in your home is probably your air conditioner. Most of us never give much thought to this essential system in our homes until something goes horribly wrong, usually on the hottest day of the year. It’s important to have a least a base understanding of the function of your air conditioner, and a great place to start is the air conditioning duct.

What is an Air Conditioner Duct?

A central air conditioner basically works by pulling in air from outside, cooling it, and distributing it throughout your home. The pipeline that distributes the air throughout your house is called the air conditioner duct. There are two main types of air conditioner duct at work in your home: The supply ductwork and the return ductwork. The two are pretty true to their names. The supply duct work is the duct through which cool air travels into your home from the outside unit, while the return ductwork is where the warmer air is transferred back out of your home and into the air conditioner for cooling (Turner, B.). Naturally this is a system at work in your home that you don’t see as it’s run behind walls or above you in the ceilings of your home.

What’s It Made Of?

Duct can be comprised of different materials, however, galvanized steel is the most widely used. This material is more resistant to rust or corrosion than other materials used in making duct work making it the favorite. Other materials used in air conditioning duct are plastic coated wire frames and fabric. Fabric is becoming a popular choice due to it’s aesthetically pleasing appearance and quick installation process.

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