“Aluminum Flex 400”
“Air Ventilator Orange”
“Air Ventilator Black”
“Air Ventilator White”
“Wind Handler Insulated TU”
“Tornado Flex Insulated AD”
Heat Ducting
Table of Contents:
1. What Does It Mean to Heat a Room?
2. What Is the Best Ductwork for Heating?
3. Can Aluminum Be Used for Ductwork?
4. Can PVC Be Used for Ductwork?
5. Is It Safe to Put Insulation Around Heating Ducts?
6. Are Insulating Heat Ducts Worth It?
7. How Much Heat Is Lost Through Ductwork?
8. What Happens If Ducts Are Not Insulated?
9. Flexible Heating Ducts are the Best Option
What Does It Mean to Heat a Room?
Heating is the process of generating warmth for a room and building. Central heating systems that contain either a boiler, furnace, or heat pump convert fuel or electricity to heat, which is circulated throughout a building’s ductwork. Without proper ductwork, there is no efficient way to transport heat from one point to another. Heat ducting has come a long way ever since its origins during the 7th Century when the only way to heat a room was by using a fireplace, a chimney, and a flue. Fast forward to today, heat ducting is an invaluable means of transferring heat and heating a room. Whether we use it for residential standards such as maintaining climate control, or for commercial means like pressurizing and drying, the way that we heat a room and how we heat it is a vital part of our day-to-day lives.
What is the Best Ductwork for Heating?
Insulated ducts will be the best suited to circulate heat throughout your ductwork. Insulated ducts have far less temperature loss as the heated air is moved from the furnace to its intended endpoint. However, depending on your needs, other types of ducts can suit the movement of hot air as well. There are air ducts designed to handle extreme temperatures and arduous environments, and there are ducts that can ventilate dangerous fumes, such as welding and furnace exhaust. It is crucial to find a duct that perfectly matches your standards and requirements, as it can ultimately make a huge difference in your results. While installing and replacing ducts can be an extensive task, knowing what kind of hoses are required for your ductwork can make the entire process a seamless experience.
“Silico-550 Insulated”
“Silico-550 Insulated”
- Insulated industrial dryer hose
- Combines flexibility with minimal heat loss
- Suited for air handling applications at low positive and low negative pressures
The “Silico-550 Insulated” hi-temp hose is suited for air handling applications and offers excellent external abrasion and chemical resistance. The Silico-550 Insulated high temp flexible hose consists of two layers. The inner layer consists of double-ply, silicone coated, woven fiberglass fabric with a spring steel wire helix. The outer layer consists of single-ply neoprene impregnated polyester fabric reinforced with a spring steel wire helix. These two layers are separated by 1-inch fiberglass insulation (R-value is 4). The flexible insulated duct is designed for fume conveyance in industrial air movement applications. In industrial use, this flexible insulated duct allows for minimal heat loss, while maintaining good flexibility and protection from external abrasions and harsh chemicals.
The “Silico-550 Insulated” hi-temp hose has a wide working temperature range. The industrial ducting is designed to withstand temperatures of high and low extremes. The inner layer of the high temp flexible hose has a range of -65 to +550 degrees Fahrenheit (+600 F intermittent). The outer layer of the flexible insulated duct has a range of -40 to +250 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only is the high temp flexible hose able to withstand extreme environments, it is also able to remain flexible without suffering from heat loss.
“Aluminum Flex 280 – Compressible”
Can Aluminum Be Used for Ductwork?
Aluminum is an excellent choice used for ductwork and is popular for heat ducting due to its lightweight, cost-effective design and sturdy structure. Single-ply aluminum hoses are a popular choice for their helically corrugated structure and availability, as they are available in a large assortment of inside diameter (ID) sizes from 3” to 12”. Aluminum hoses are ideal because of their resistance to metal fatigue, weathering, and most corrosive fumes and chemicals. Additionally, they are designed to handle many extreme temperature applications such as chemical fume ventilation, circuit board cooling, pollution control, and general air conditioning and ventilation. While aluminum hoses are not recommended for continuous flexing applications, their self-supporting construction allows them to be bent and formed during the installation process. As a result, they are a popular choice in applications that require a flexible yet durable and sturdy ductwork.
“Aluminum Flex 280 – Compressible”
“Aluminum Flex 280 – Compressible”
- Designed for extreme temperature applications
- Light weight & hand bendable allowing for elbows and turns to be formed easily during installation
The Aluminum Flex 280 – Compressible comes prefabricated in a variety of different inside diameter (I.D.) sizes: 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, 8″, 10″, and 12″. The walls of this flexible metal tubing are 0.1 to 0.11 mm. thick, and it has an I.D. tolerance of 0 to 0.1 inch. Its end finishes are plain cut, and it comes in a classic, metallic-silver colorway. This flexible metal hose is also semi-rigid, which means that, once you bend it into a certain position, it will stay that way without any added support. Of course, you can bend it again to reform the duct into a different position. In sum, it’s likely that you will not need to use any accessories such as elbows to fit your Aluminum Flex 280 – Compressible into looping or bent positions.
This flexible metal duct is designed with air and fume ventilation applications in mind, thus making it well-suited for a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial applications—especially those that intend to transport high-temperature matter. Wood stoves, for instance, need to properly ventilate hot smoke from the wood they burn. The Aluminum Flex 280 – Compressible is a natural fit for these kinds of applications—especially since, oftentimes, a wood stove’s exhaust duct must navigate a circuitous pathway to reach the destination where it expels the stove’s fumes. Other common uses for this metal flex-duct include chemical fume ventilation, circuit board cooling, and air conditioner ducting, among other things.
“Air Ventilator Black”
“Air Ventilator White”
Can PVC Be Used for Ductwork?
Flexible PVC hoses are an excellent choice for the transfer of heat and air ventilation because they are highly durable, flexible, and reinforced with steel wire. This makes them an easy-to-install, since they do no require elbows or other accessories, and are a long-lasting duct. PVC Vinyl-Coated Air Ventilator hoses are an excellent option for residential and commercial heat ducting ventilation. PVC is ideal for industrial air movement and applications, with a temperature range of -20 to +180 degrees Fahrenheit; PVC Vinyl-coated Air Ventilator hoses come with a standard length of 25 feet and with a belted cuffed end, which makes it easy to install, and removes the need for clamps and connectors. With their highly compressible and retractable design, these hoses are easy to transport and store between usage, making them vital in industrial applications. Additionally, these hoses can come in different inside diameters, colors, and wall thicknesses, which makes them ideal for those who are looking for viable options for their ducting and ventilating needs.
“Air Ventilator Black”
“Air Ventilator Orange”
“Air Ventilator White”
“Air Ventilator White”
- Highly compressible
- Wearstrip offers external abrasion resistance
- Ideal duct for blower applications
The “Air Ventilator White” are flexible lightweight hoses made from durable PVC vinyl coated polyester fabric. These flexible hoses can be used in a variety of industrial air movement and blower applications. Each flexible hose has been reinforced with a spring steel wire helix for added strength and flexibility. Each piece of flex ducting comes with an external wear-strip that protects the hose and provides an additional layer of abrasion resistance, which aids in protecting the hose from outside wear. This air transfer hose features a belted cuffed end for easy installation.
The compressible PVC coated flexible hose is lightweight and cost effective. “Air Ventilator White” is amongst our most cost effective flexible hoses. Considering the cost of belted sewn cuffs, which come standard on this hose, the “Air Ventilator White” is priced at a 30% to 50% discount from other hoses in its class. This hose is also inventoried in all listed ID sizes, making for quick delivery and rapid deployment.
This hose is made for large volume air movement in indoor or outdoor applications. The “Air Ventilator White” lightweight hoses are ideal for general air ventilation, mobile chillers, and light dust movement applications. The versatile flex ducting has a working temperature range from -20 to + 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
“HVAC Insulated-Flex”
Is It Safe to Put Insulation Around Heating Ducts?
While you can install insulation around non-insulated heating ducts, the safest option is to replace your non-insulated hoses with an insulated heater hose for your ductwork. The HVAC Insulated-Flex Ducting is a superb choice to transfer and retain heat through your HVAC systems. With a working temperature of -20 to +160 degrees Fahrenheit, the HVAC Insulated-Flex Ducting is constructed to maintain its structural integrity for long periods in extreme temperatures. With its double-ply design, our HVAC Insulated-Flex Ducting is made of aluminum foil and PET film layers, which makes them easy to handle and can be easily compressed for transportation. These insulated hoses are an ideal and beneficial ductwork option for their effectiveness, flexibility, and rigid design. Additionally, these flexible hoses also serve as a cost-effective means to transport heat from one point to another and come in various internal diameter (ID) sizes ranging from 4” to 12” and custom sizes going up to 24”. As a result, the HVAC Insulated-Flex Ducting hose is an assuring option for those looking at insulated heating ducts.
“HVAC Insulated-Flex”
“HVAC Insulated-Flex”
- Insulation maintains temperature of air inside hose.
- Provides acoustical as well as thermal insulation.
The “HVAC Insulated-Flex” hose is a superb choice for HVAC air duct use. These ducts for air conditioning applications are double-ply insulated flexible hoses that are made of aluminum foil and PET film layers. Each HVAC flexible duct is insulated with glass wool material. This product is beneficial to consumers because of its affordable price point. It is definitely a more cost-effective HVAC ducting option than other competing hoses. It will also look good in any setting that it is placed in thanks to the shiny silver insulation material on the outside of the hose.
The insulated nature of this portable air conditioner hose allows it to operate in both high and low temperatures. The double-ply insulated material of this HVAC air duct allows it to function well in temperature ranges between -20° F and 160° F. Whether your application involves the transfer of cold air or hot air, these HVAC ducts for air conditioning uses can maintain their structural integrity with ease. The insulated material also helps maintain the temperature of the air that is present inside the hose.
A key advantage of this HVAC flexible duct is how easy it is to handle. This is a portable air conditioner hose that can be easily compressed for transportation purposes. This is a great HVAC ducting hose to have if your applications are constantly on the move.
“Tornado Flex Insulated AD”
“Wind Handler Insulated TU”
Are Insulating Heat Ducts Worth It?
Regarding heat ducting, insulated hoses are one of the best-suited heater hoses on the market due to their layered heat retention design and overall durability. Depending on the type of insulation, insulated hoses can withstand extremely high and low working temperatures, making them the most suited to handle various residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They are designed to regulate heat ducting and air conditioning ventilation because they significantly reduce energy waste, potential air leakage, and overall noise depending on the working environment. The materials also allow insulated hoses to exhibit overall flexibility and even chemical stability, depending on your product choice. Whether it is for residential, commercial, or industrial usage, insulated hoses are very adaptable for a variety of venues, making them the best for transferring heat and providing consistent airflow.
“Tornado Flex Insulated AD”
“Tornado Flex Insulated AD”
- Ideal use for permanent and mobile air conditioning units
- PVC material resists ozone, UV rays, and moisture
The “Tornado Flex Insulated AD” is an insulated hose made from two single-ply PVC coated yellow polyester fabric ply protecting insulation barrier, covered with an external wear-strip and reinforced with a spring steel wire helix. This makes for a hose that is both insulated and very durable, a unique characteristic of this product. In addition to its resilience, this flexible air duct exhibits excellent flexibility, allowing it to be used in tight or unusual installations. Unlike other rigid insulated products, this hose can easily make bends and turns in tight cramped spaces. The insulation and external abrasion resistance make this UV resistant hose ideal for permanent and mobile air conditioning units.
The “Tornado Flex Insulated AD” class of insulated ducts are made to operate at both high and low temperatures. This product has a temperature range of -20 degrees to +180 degrees Fahrenheit. The “Tornado Flex Insulated AD” insulated hose is sold in 25 ft sections with standard cuffs on each end. Additional end finishes other than the standard cuffs are available on request. These insulated ducts come in yellow with a black wear strip and are also available in custom colors including: olive drab, tan, blue, and white. The ID sizes offered for this product range from 4 to 24 inches with custom sizes available up to 36 inches. The insulation barrier of this UV resistant hose makes it perfect for applications such as A/C ventilation, function tent HVAC, shipyards, plastic bag machines, and general air movement.
“Aluminum Flex 400”
How Much Heat Is Lost Through Ductwork?
Approximately 25-40% of heat is lost through ductwork, often resulting in energy loss and higher utility bills. While the reasoning behind this loss can be attributed to factors such as questionable duct installation, heated air being affected by drag, and the number of bends in the ductwork, the best way to prevent such a loss through a central system is to utilize insulated hoses for heat ducting. To find the right insulated hose for the job, you must find a heater hose with a high R-value. The R-value is a unit of measurement that measures an insulated product’s ability to resist heat flow. Suppose an insulated heater hose has a high R-value. In that case, the insulated heater hose performs exceptionally well with thermal retention, can retain heat for long periods, and can maintain the heat as it flows through the hose from one point to another. By having a heater hose with a high R-value, it can significantly reduce heat loss through a central system and ductwork. As a result, it can lower energy loss and overall utility costs.
“Aluminum Flex 400”
“Aluminum Flex 400”
- Self supporting construction allows for bends to stay in place
- Designed for extreme temperature applications
This flexible ductwork is lightweight, pliable and can easily be bent or manipulated by hand. Our aluminum lightweight ducting is self-supporting, which means the hose will maintain its shape when bent. This important attribute helps in the formation of elbows for easy bending and turning during the installation process. This same self-supporting construction allows any bends to remain in place without the use of additional support materials. One thing to keep in mind is that flexible ductwork should not be exposed to repeated bending and moving. Flexible ducts are not recommended for continuous flexing. Hose connectors are also available for the “Aluminum Flex 400” flexible ducts. Use hose connectors (straight unions) to fit additional pieces of hoses together for extra length.
“Aluminum Flex 400” flexible ducts can be purchased in either 5 or 10 ft lengths. The flexible ductwork is available in several internal diameter sizes including 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12 inches with internal diameter tolerances of -0.00 to +0.250 inch. These lightweight ducting can be utilized in a variety of applications that includes removal of the following: chemical fumes, circuit board cooling, exhaust systems, HVAC, oil mist removal, pollution control and ventilation. If you have any questions or need further assistance with these hi-temp hoses, please do not hesitate to contact one of our ducting experts today.
“Air Ventilator Yellow”
What Happens If Ducts Are Not Insulated?
If flexible heating ducts are not insulated and installed during construction, then the chances of experiencing heat loss significantly rise. Approximately, non-insulated ducts can lose up to 40% of generated heating and can ultimately cause heating systems to operate 50% harder to make up for the loss. The most common forms of insulation are made from cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral wool, and these materials slow down conductive and convective heat flow, making their presence in heat ducting an absolute necessity. If you do not incorporate insulation into your flexible heating ducts, you could generate high utility costs once construction is completed. If your heater hose or flexible heating ducts have a low R-value, they will not be able to retain significant amounts of heat as it is being transferred from one point to another. One of the simplest ways to increase a heater hose or flexible heating duct R-value is by adding layers, making it more resistant to heat flow. While this can ultimately increase the overall weight, recent advancements have made these materials and products lighter, more effective, and, as a result, easier to install. Another way to reduce heat loss is by sealing any potential leakage in the ductwork; however, the issue with this approach is that it is a temporary fix for a potentially deeper-rooted issue. Ultimately, the safest and most secure way to reduce heat loss is by replacing non-insulated ducts and hoses with insulated ones.
“Air Ventilator Yellow”
“Air Ventilator Yellow”
- Lightweight duct hose
- Highly compressible
The “Air Ventilator Yellow” flexible ducting hose can be useful in many industrial air movement applications. These lightweight hoses are made from PVC vinyl coated polyester fabric and has been reinforced with a spring steel wire helix for added strength when flexed. Each section of yellow flex duct is constructed with a protective external wear-strip. The protective wear-strip provides an added layer of protection from dragging and scraping the hose material on the ground. All hose ends feature belted cuffed end for easy installation. This allows for quick and simple use without the need for clamps.
This PVC flexible ducting hose is lightweight and cost effective. The Air Ventilator hoses are our least expensive hose products and are priced at a fraction of most hoses in their class. All hose material in the “Air Ventilator Yellow” flex duct has a temperature range of-20 to +180 degrees Fahrenheit for industrial air movement. Each section of the hose material is highly compressible and standard lengths are 25 feet. The flex duct can easily retract so it can be compressed from its full length down to just three feet. This makes transportation and storage convenient, especially when the hose is used for seasonal applications. These lightweight hoses are available in several different sizes, including 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, and 24 inch. This flex duct is generally inventoried in the aforementioned sizes and will ship within 24 hours of an order. In addition, all sizes of the “Air Ventilator Yellow” can ship via FedEx Ground, making for a less expensive fulfillment option.
“Aluminum Flex 400”
Flexible Heating Ducts are the Best Option
Ultimately, the best ductwork for heating depends on your needs and intentions. However, insulated flexible heating ducts will be the most efficient option for general heat ducting ventilation. Insulated HVAC hoses are ideal for permanent and mobile air conditioning units; meanwhile, insulated heater hose products such as Tornado Flex and Wind Handlers are semi-permanent options that can be considered. However, the main benefits of these hoses rely on their ability to be flexed and moved without sustaining damage and fatigue. Whichever product you choose for your heat ducting needs, it is vital to check the insulated heater hose’s R-value because it can ultimately determine your overall costs and plans. By knowing if your insulated heat hose has a high R-value, you can rest assured that the transferred heat will remain intact when it is being transferred from one end to another. Whether you are working on a construction project for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes, insulated heating ducts and heater hoses will be a reliable, durable option.
“Air Ventilator Insulated”
“Air Ventilator Insulated”
- Ideal for use for permanent and mobile air condition units
- Compressible and easy to transport
The “Air Ventilator Insulated” ventilation ducts are made from two single-ply PVC fabric layers, plus one layer of PET film with a cotton barrier meant for insulation. The insulated barrier in this flexible ventilation ducting hose makes it ideal of air movement applications. It is compressible and can be easily moved around, thus making it good for either permanent or temporary air conditioning uses. Primarily meant for residential or commercial level of air ducting and ventilation, it has a shiny metallic silver appearance that allows it to bring a sleek and professional look to the job.
The PVC fabric layers that make these vent hoses are very crucial to what makes them great ducting products. The PVC material provides these ventilation ducts with a superior level of resistance against moisture, ozone, and UV rays. As a result, they can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications. PVC material itself is resistant to various types of oils and alcohols, but it is best to not put this air hose in contact with more caustic chemical materials.
This insulated flexible ventilation ducting is made to operate in both high and low ambient temperatures. These vent hoses can function well in temperatures ranging between -20° F and 180° Fahrenheit. A superior level of functionality in various temperatures is a key factor in any good air ducting and ventilation hoses. Whether your application sees a lot of very cold air or very hot air, or even both, these insulated ventilation ducts will be up to handling the task.
