Over the past 2 decades, spiral duct has seen a massive increase in popularity world-wide.
In Western Europe, where energy costs are much higher than in the U.S. and energy efficiency is critical, the benefits of spiral duct have long proven themselves in commercial and industrial applications.
Today in the U.S., the Spiral Duct Manufacturers Association (SPIDA) sees as its mission the promotion of spiral duct, round duct, and flat oval duct as a superior product for many applications.
Spiral duct is a great alternative to traditional rectangular duct in many applications.
According to ACHRNews.com, spiral duct has become so popular that the decision makers involved in the Pentagon Renovation Program, completed in 2011, chose to replace the existing duct system in the Pentagon with a more efficient, quieter, space-saving spiral duct system. The replacement was part of a mandated plan to lower total energy costs by 35%.
Why Spiral Ductwork?
Though there are still applications that may require rectangular duct, there can be many advantages when working with spiral duct over rectangular duct. These include:
- Aesthetics – Many clients feel that spiral duct looks neater than rectangular. Because spiral is manufactured in pieces as long as 30’, there is less need for unsightly seams, stabilizers, and hangers.Noise – Spiral ductwork offers more even static pressure throughout the whole system. This greatly reduces the volume at which the system operates by reducing the chances of over-pressurizing ducts.
- Cleanliness – Less gaps to fill in ductwork means reduced chance of dust, mold, dirt, and other allergens being pulled into return air. Spiral ductwork is conducive to a safe, healthy, and productive workplace.
- Ease of Installation – According to facilityexeutive.com, spiral duct on average weighs 25% less, takes up less space, and is quicker and easier to install than rectangular ductwork – meaning less headaches for contractors and clients alike.
- Leak Reduction – As mentioned previously, less gaps to seal means less leaks. According to SPIDA, spiral ductwork can see leak levels as low as 1%. That’s a 90% reduction in leakage compared to the rectangular ductwork of 20 years ago. Less leakage means less power consumption and less maintenance time, as well.
…all of which add up to less man-hours tied up between installation and maintenance, often making spiral duct the most cost-effective solution – especially in the high-performance, high-velocity systems typically found in large buildings.
Spiral Ductwork vs. Rectangular Ductwork
Though superior for many applications, spiral duct is not the correct answer for every job.
When planning to install duct, two of any contractor’s largest concerns are required space and required pressure. Keeping in mind the space potentially used by other utilities like electric and water lines is absolutely essential when considering spiral duct.
- When to Use Spiral Duct – Spiral duct work is great for jobs that require long, open runs of duct. Spiral duct is manufactured in lengths of up to 30 feet with minimal connectors and sealants required. Because it is taller than rectangular duct, however, spiral duct is not a usable option for many in-wall, tight applications. Spiral duct looks and functions best in large, open-air environments like gyms and industrial buildings.
- When to Use Rectangular Duct – Rectangular duct is ideal for in-wall applications requiring a lower profile than spiral duct can offer. Spiral duct is also not high performer in low-pressure situations – rectangular duct still holds the title of King for low-pressure systems.
Neither spiral nor rectangular duct is superior 100% of the time, so more importantly than choosing the right duct is choosing the right contractor who will know what duct you need and where to put it. When in doubt, always consult an HVAC expert like The Cincinnatus Group.
Consult an HVAC Expert Today
TCG Duct is committed to the values of Integrity, Caring, and Stewardship. We are committed to providing quality service to help HVAC contractors expand their profitably, enhance a rewarding environment for our employees, and encourage a sense of shared responsibility with our community.
Duct Fabrication is TCG’s Business
At TCG Duct, we can provide all or part of your HVAC fabrication needs. Your project is priced from a Material List or via a take off from prints you provide. Our team of engineers, fabricators and technicians are trained on the latest equipment and methods that enable us to meet your exacting standards.
Let TCG Duct be your partner in the HVAC Industry as an experienced, high-quality manufacturer of HVAC duct of all types. Our goal is to partner with our customers in ways that make the entire workflow from order to installation a seamless exercise in time and cost savings.
The Cincinnatus Group supplies traditional Rectangular Ductwork as well as Spiral Ductwork, Double Wall Spiral Duct , PCD Ductwork, and Industrial Welded Ductwork.
Why Choose The Cincinnatus Group?
As your partner, The Cincinnatus Group helps your organization stand out in its marketplace, win more bids, save substantial costs, and build the knowledge and skills your team needs to continually meet new challenges effectively and profitably.
Our strong work ethic, accountability, and pursuit of excellence sets us apart from other contracted sales and marketing services, and our unique expertise and proprietary ductwork systems make us unique amongst our competitors.
At The Cincinnatus Group, our fabrication partners gain access to our unique experience and expertise in contracted sales and marketing.
Our assets help you navigate the ever-changing markets of the 21st century.
To learn more about our Contracted Sales services or other services we provide: Contracted Estimating and Take Offs, CAD/BIM/Coordination Drawings, and Project Management Assistance, please call The Cincinnatus Group at 878-295-8009, or visit our Contact Us page today. We are looking forward to the opportunity to help grow your business.
